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Appreciating Government Strategy to Increase Health Access for Papuan People

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By: Saby Kossay )*

The government continues to be committed to improving the welfare of the Papuan people, especially in the health sector. This focus is realized through various concrete steps, such as improving access and quality of health services in isolated areas and far from urban centers. This effort aims to ensure that all Papuans, especially in remote areas, receive adequate and proper health services.

The success of this health program is highly dependent on cross-sector collaboration, as well as the active role of leaders in the regions to ensure effective implementation. It is important for the community to understand and utilize the various health programs provided by the government, such as the National Health Insurance (JKN), in order to achieve health equity in Papua.

West Papua Province, especially Kaimana Regency, is facing a major challenge in providing access to health services for its people. Although there are 10 health centers spread across seven districts, namely Buruway, Teluk Arguni, Teluk Arguni Bawah, Kaimana, Kambrau, Teluk Etna, and Yamor, only two of them have inpatient facilities.

This limitation is one of the main obstacles in providing optimal health services, especially for residents who live in areas far from the city center.

Kaimana Regent Freddy Thie firmly instructed all health centers in the region to improve the quality of their services. In his speech when inaugurating 20 new officials, including 10 health center heads, Regent Freddy emphasized the importance of each health center ensuring that the community in its work area has easy and quality access to health services.

Freddy also reminded that health workers, both State Civil Apparatus (ASN) and contract workers, must always be on standby at their place of duty and are prohibited from leaving their posts without a clear reason.

In addition to focusing on improving health services, the inauguration of 20 new officials is also part of an effort to evaluate performance and refresh the bureaucracy within the Kaimana Regency Government. According to Freddy, this inauguration is in accordance with applicable provisions, including approval from the Governor of West Papua and the Minister of Home Affairs.

This step aims to increase the effectiveness of the bureaucracy and ensure that newly appointed officials, including heads of health centers, can carry out their duties with full responsibility.

Meanwhile, in Sorong City, Southwest Papua, the local government is also working hard to improve the welfare of the community through access to health services. Acting Mayor of Sorong, Bernhard Rondonuwu, ensured that all of his citizens have been accommodated in the National Health Insurance Program (JKN).

This program aims to provide better health insurance for the community, so that they can enjoy more optimal health services.

The concrete steps taken by the Sorong City government in supporting the JKN program are by issuing a Mayor’s Decree on the massive socialization of the JKN program. This socialization is carried out at the sub-district level, involving all sub-district heads in 10 districts.

The aim is to increase public understanding of the importance of the JKN program, as well as to ensure that more people are accommodated in this program.

Bernhard emphasized that the role of the village head is very important in socializing the JKN program, because they are the spearhead of service to the community. With effective socialization, it is hoped that the number of people registered in the JKN program will increase, so that more people can get free or subsidized health services from the government.

The success of health programs such as JKN and improving services at community health centers depends heavily on collaboration between various parties. Local governments must work together with health workers, local leaders, and communities to ensure that the health services provided are easily accessible to everyone, especially in remote areas.

Not only that, the government also needs to strengthen health infrastructure in areas that are still underserved. Health centers that currently do not have inpatient facilities, such as in Kaimana, need special attention to be able to provide more comprehensive health services. Increasing the number of health workers, distribution of medicines, and other supporting facilities are crucial to realize.

On the other hand, the role of society is no less important. Society needs to realize how important it is to utilize health programs that have been provided by the government. By participating in programs such as JKN, they can get better and guaranteed access to health services.

In addition, awareness of the importance of maintaining health from an early age must also be increased, so that Papuan people can enjoy a healthier and more productive life.

The government’s efforts to improve Papua’s welfare through the health sector must be supported by all parties. Improving the quality of services at health centers, expanding the JKN program, and cross-sectoral cooperation are the main keys to ensuring that Papuans, especially those in remote areas, get access to decent health services.

Only with a shared commitment and a deep understanding of the importance of health can the ideal of realizing a healthier and more prosperous Papua be realized. Let us support the government’s efforts in building a better Papua by participating in the health programs that have been provided.

)* The author is a Papuan student living in Yogyakarta

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