New Health Care Scheme Will Boost People’s Welfare: SBY

Jakarta Globe, ID/Novy Lumanauw, December 30, 2013

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono talks to journalists during a
 press conference at the presidential office in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Nov. 20, 2013.
(EPA Photo/Abror Riszki)

Bogor, West Java. The new national health scheme known as the Social Security Organizing Body (BPJS), which will come into effect on Jan. 1, will not only boost the welfare of the nation but also enhance social justice, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Monday.

“The BPJS will make our development more just, especially for our less fortunate brothers and sisters,” Yudhoyono said while leading a limited cabinet meeting on people’s welfare in Bogor.

During the meeting, which was also attended by Vice President Boediono, Yudhoynono checked the preparation and readiness of the health care scheme.

“Just see this as a final check before the implementation of the National Social Security Scheme [SJSN] starting on January 1, 2014. This is an important historical milestone because it will change the face and the level of the welfare of the Indonesian people,” he said.

The president, however, admitted that there was still much to be done to improve the scheme, although he also believed that such issues could be dealt with after its implementation.

“There are still challenges and problems to overcome and manage,” he said.

Officials have said that the new health care system will see some 172.84 million Indonesians joining.

The government is  aiming for every Indonesian to be covered under the BPJS by Jan. 1, 2019.

The government is gearing up for a new national health

 care scheme that will also be used by high-ranking

officials. (JG Photo/Safir Makki)

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