By Jonathan Sawias )*
In recent years, the Indonesian government has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving access to health care in Papua. These steps have received widespread support and appreciation from the Papuan people, who have long faced challenges in obtaining adequate health services. Through various policies and programs, the government is working to address the health disparities that persist in this eastern part of Indonesia.
Various policies and programs have been launched to ensure that all people in Tanah Papua have access to proper and equal health care. One significant step is the implementation of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system in Fakfak Regency, the construction of a Class B Vertical Hospital in Jayapura, and the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by West Papua Province. These policies have received widespread support and appreciation from the local community.
Fakfak Regency, West Papua, recently announced that it will launch an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system in all Community Health Centers in August 2024. The implementation of EMR is the result of collaboration between the Fakfak Regency Health Office and PT. Infokes Indonesia. Secretary of the Fakfak Regency Health Office, Pierre S. Kwando, S. Kep., M.Kes (MMR), stated that this step aims to improve the quality of health services, provide legal certainty in the implementation and management of medical records, and ensure the security, confidentiality, and availability of medical record data.
Pierre said that the implementation of RME is a significant step in the digital transformation of health in Fakfak Regency. RME allows for more secure, accurate, and efficient storage of patient data. The community welcomed this initiative because it is believed that it will speed up the administrative process and improve the accuracy of medical data, so that health services become more modern and efficient. This public support shows awareness of the importance of digital transformation in the health sector to improve the quality of life.
The Class B Vertical Hospital construction project in the Cenderawasih University (Uncen) Campus area in Jayapura has also received positive attention. The hospital, which began construction on September 23, 2023, is expected to be the largest hospital in Eastern Indonesia with a modern, international-standard design concept. The Acting Commitment Maker (PPK) for the Development Planning of the Papua Vertical UPT Hospital in Jayapura, Siti Ulfa Chanifah, said that this hospital will be a reference for other hospitals in Papua and become an education center for doctors.
The purpose of building this hospital is to reduce the disparity in health services in Papua by providing tertiary services such as cancer, heart, and stroke. Siti Ulfa also said that the presence of this hospital is expected to mobilize all human resources and technology in Papua. This development has received high appreciation from the Papuan people who see it as a solution to the limited health facilities that have been the main obstacle. The hope that this hospital can encourage local economic growth has also become a driving force for various parties to support the completion of this project.
West Papua Province also achieved a proud achievement by receiving a prestigious award at the 2024 UHC Awards for its success in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with National Health Insurance (JKN) coverage exceeding 95% of its population. Head of the Manokwari BPJS Kesehatan Branch Office, dr. Dwi Sulistyono Yudo, said that this award is proof of the strong commitment of the local government and stakeholders in supporting the JKN program.
Doctor Dwi said that this achievement not only shows dedication in improving access to health services, but also success in educating and socializing the importance of health insurance to the community. This success has received a positive response from the people of West Papua who feel helped by the existence of health insurance that ensures all residents have access to guaranteed health services. This achievement is expected to motivate other regions to accelerate efforts to achieve UHC so that all Indonesian people can enjoy inclusive and equitable health services.
Various policies and programs launched by the government to improve access to health in Papua have shown positive results and received broad support from the community. The implementation of the Electronic Medical Record system in Fakfak, the construction of the Vertical Hospital in Jayapura, and the achievement of UHC in West Papua are concrete steps that prove the government’s commitment to improving health services in this region.
The community also actively supports health programs that are implemented. Community involvement in health campaigns, such as immunization and routine health checks, shows that they are aware of the importance of health and are ready to work with the government to achieve it.
Public appreciation of this policy is an important indicator that the government’s efforts are on the right track and need to be continuously improved so that every Papuan citizen gets their right to quality health services. The people of Papua also hope that the government will continue to commit to improving health services in their area. Because, with the increase in the number of qualified medical personnel, as well as the provision of more complete and modern health facilities, local communities can be active independently in maintaining their health.
)* the author is a social policy observer