President Jokowi Gives Directives on BPJS Kesehatan for COVID-19 Mitigation

President Jokowi delivers introductory remarks at a Limited Meeting on BPJS Kesehatan through video conference from the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (24/3). (Photo by: Ibrahim/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo underlined that the state has a duty to ensure that all Indonesian citizens have access to health services through the National Health Insurance system that runs entirely and sustainably, particularly in the mitigation of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

For that reason, the President reiterated several points of note regarding healthcare services, among others:

First, the completion of new legal basis needed to regulate a financing scheme that is fair for the patients as well as the hospitals.

“Next is focusing on maintaining full operations of hospitals during this year, particularly guidelines for inpatients, and acceleration of payment disbursement to the hospitals,” he said in his introductory remarks at a Limited Meeting on Health Insurance Program (BPJS Kesehatan) through video conference from the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (24/3).

Second, regarding the financing of BPJS Kesehatan for COVID-19 patients, expenses allocated for healthcare services in the mitigation of COVID-19 pandemic from the State Budget (APBN) and the Regional Budget (APBD) must be prepared.

“We must ensure that governors, regents, and mayors reallocate the regional budget for healthcare services for people infected with COVID-19,” the President firmly said.

Third, Minister of Health must immediately establish norms, standards, and procedures needed to ensure the providing of healthcare services to COVID-19 patients, be it the information, health care facilities, the amount of service fee, and verification of healthcare facilities which can provide healthcare services for COVID-19 cases.

The President’s directives are necessary for a new legal basis after the Supreme Court revoke BPJS Kesehatan premium hike for Non-salaried Workers (PBPU) and Non-workers (BP) per 1 January 2020.

“The revocation of BPJS Kesehatan premium hike affected healthcare services to the public, particularly the COVID-19 patients,” the President said.  (FID/TGH/EN)

Translated by : Rany Anjany S
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana B