By: Agung Jauhari )*
The government continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving public welfare through various strategic programs, one of which is the free health service that has been launched nationally. This program is not only a social initiative, but also a real form of the state’s presence in ensuring that every citizen has access to decent health services. Through this program, the government seeks to change the health paradigm from curative treatment to more effective and sustainable early prevention.
In its implementation, the government has allocated a significant budget to support infrastructure and human resources in the health sector. This step is in line with the mandate of the 1945 Constitution which emphasizes that health is a fundamental right of every citizen. The government ensures that this service can be accessed by all people without exception, from babies to the elderly, including vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children.
As one of the priority programs in the national development agenda, this free health service is part of the Fast Best Results Program (PHTC) which has been carefully designed. The government believes that good health is the main key to creating a productive and prosperous society. Therefore, the approach used in this program is not only limited to free health checks, but also includes public education on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and early detection of diseases.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Wamendiktisaintek), Stella Christie, also reviewed the implementation of this program at the Cakung Health Center, East Jakarta. She said that this free health service is a real manifestation of the President’s promise that has now been realized for all Indonesian people. Stella also emphasized that this program is not just ordinary health assistance, but is a strategic effort by the government to improve the quality of human resources as a whole.
The public’s enthusiasm for this program is very high, as seen from the many residents who come to health facilities to take advantage of this service. From newborns to the elderly, all levels of society have shown a positive response to this program. With a wide coverage, this program is estimated to reach more than 281 million people throughout Indonesia.
In addition to having a direct impact on public health, this free health service also has a significant economic effect. With regular health checks that can be accessed at no cost, people can detect diseases early and reduce the risk of more expensive treatments later on. This not only reduces the financial burden on individuals, but also lightens the burden on the state budget in the health sector.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (PMK), Pratikno, emphasized that the government continues to ensure the readiness of various parties in implementing this program. Cross-sector coordination is essential so that this free health service can run smoothly and provide maximum benefits to the community. He also emphasized that this program must be a symbol of the state’s commitment to providing health protection for all its citizens.
The implementation of this program also involves various parties such as health workers, TNI, Polri, and community organizations that play a role in supporting smooth services in the field. The government emphasizes the importance of strict supervision so that this program runs transparently and is not misused by irresponsible parties.
On the other hand, the Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB), Rini Widyantini, stated that this program is in line with the President’s vision in building effective and responsive public services. The Ministry of PANRB has fully supported the implementation of this program by ensuring the readiness of health workers and public service infrastructure.
In recent years, the government has opened more than 367,268 health worker formations in various regions. This step is part of a strategy to strengthen the national health service system to be better prepared to face future challenges. With the support of competent medical personnel, the community can obtain quality and equitable health services throughout the region.
The government also continues to innovate in the implementation of this free health service, including by utilizing digital technology. Digitalization of health services allows people to register, access medical information, and get doctor consultations more easily. This step not only increases the efficiency of services but also speeds up the examination process for people in need.
The success of this program also depends on the support of the community in maintaining their own health. The government hopes that this service will not only be used for treatment, but also as a preventive measure in maintaining health from an early age. That way, people can live healthier and more productive lives, while reducing the number of illnesses that burden the national health system.
With this free health service program, the government has proven its commitment to ensuring that every citizen has equal rights in accessing health care. This program not only reflects a pro-people policy, but also becomes a strategic step in building a healthier and more prosperous Indonesia.
)* The author is a contributor to Pertiwi Institute
