Sunday, 10 May 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – Governor Bobby Nasution has emphasized the urgent need to significantly improve services under Indonesia's national health insurance scheme, BPJS Kesehatan, stressing that healthcare is a fundamental right that must be easily accessible without barriers.
He delivered the statement during a hearing with BPJS Kesehatan officials at his office on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The meeting was attended by Director of Membership Akmal Budi Yulianto, Supervisory Board Member Afif Johan, Deputy Regional Director I for North Sumatra and Aceh Mustafa, along with other BPJS representatives.Strengthening Regional Health Services
Bobby Nasution stated that the North Sumatra Provincial Government continues to expand healthcare services through several priority programs, including the "Program Hasil Terbaik Cepat (PHTC)" and the free medical treatment initiative "Program Berobat Gratis (Probis)." He called on all stakeholders to intensify collaboration to improve public healthcare delivery."We appreciate the support of all parties in strengthening healthcare services in North Sumatra, especially BPJS Kesehatan, as this is a mandatory public service obligation of the government," Bobby said.
He also highlighted ongoing challenges in the field, including restrictions on certain medical services based on diagnostic classifications, which still hinder public access to healthcare.
Universal Health Coverage and Free Treatment Program
The governor further noted that the provincial government has successfully implemented Universal Health Coverage (UHC), achieving it in approximately seven months to improve access to healthcare services."Many residents still struggle to receive treatment or are even rejected by hospitals. That is why the Probis program is a key priority, alongside the achieved UHC status in North Sumatra. Citizens can now access treatment simply using their national ID card," he explained.
He urged local governments to allocate healthcare budgets more efficiently and strategically, while calling for stronger financial cooperation between central and regional authorities to reinforce the system.
Collaboration and Sanctions for Better Access
Bobby emphasized the importance of balancing the number of BPJS participants with the quality of healthcare services provided by medical facilities. Hospitals, he stressed, must not discriminate against patients based on their insurance status.He also urged BPJS Kesehatan to take firm action against healthcare providers that unlawfully refuse patients. At the same time, the provincial government supports accelerating membership activation so that benefits can be evenly distributed across the population.
"If hospitals continue to refuse patients without valid reasons, BPJS Kesehatan should impose strict sanctions. The provincial government also supports faster membership activation so services can reach everyone," Bobby said.Director of Membership at BPJS Kesehatan, Akmal Budi Yulianto, praised the North Sumatra government for its rapid achievement of UHC within a year of implementation. BPJS Kesehatan also reaffirmed its full support for the "Program Berobat Gratis (Probis)" initiative. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
