By Dr. Lanang Angga

It’s Monday morning, 8 o’clock, and Klinik Bali Sehat is already filled with patients of all ages. My first patient is a small, shy girl hiding behind her mother. She looks about 6 years old, but when I ask, I learn her name is Komang and she’s actually 12.

Her small size and delayed development surprise me. She also has very limited speech ability, which makes me decide to refer her to a pediatrician. But today, the reason for their visit is something else: ear pain and itching.

Komang nervously lets me check her ears. They’re full of wax. I explain it can be cleaned easily, but she looks terrified. I gently reassure her that it won’t hurt, and promise a doll afterward. That promise works she lets me help her. After the cleaning and some ear drops, she smiles for the first time and leaves the clinic with her mom, looking lighter and happier.

Four days later, Komang returns—not for treatment, but to say thank you. She brings her new doll, her mother, and proudly shows off her little sister. It’s these moments that remind us why accessible and compassionate care at our clinic in Amed makes a difference especially for children in need.