Joko Makes Impromptu Stop to Inspect Services at Padang Hospital

Jakarta Globe, Eko Prasetyo, April 12, 2016

President Joko Widodo speaks with a patient at the Dr.M. Djamal Hospital in
Padang, West Sumatra, on Tuesday (12/04). (State Palace Press Photo/Rusman)

Jakarta. Deviating from his planned schedule, President Joko Widodo visited the Dr. M. Djamil Hospital in Padang, West Sumatra, on Tuesday (12/04).

The president observed the implementation of services offered by the Social Security Agency (BPJS) and the Indonesia Health Card (KIS).

"I made an impromptu visit, especially to see the implementation of the BPJS and KIS. Almost 35 percent [of patients] use the KIS and the rest use the BPJS," Joko said in a statement, after inspecting the state-owned hospital's class I general surgery room.

The president also asked several patients for their opinion of the state's health services.

"I asked the patients, and they said they were not being charged any fees, but the hospital had some complaints about payment," Joko said.

The president was accompanied by State Secretary Minister Pratikno and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung during his inspection of the medical facility.