NTB Governor Launches Health Insurance Program

Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, Jan 2 (Antara) - On Thursday, the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Governor M Zainul Majdil launched the health insurance program implemented by the Social Security Provider Agency (BPJS), in cooperation with other health service units. The program launch was organized at the NTB Regional Public Hospital and attended by Head of BPJS Regional Division XI for Bali and NTB Ni Made Sri Rahma Ayu Dewi. The health insurance program, which will be implemented across the nation, adds a new leaf to the country`s medical services, the governor stated. "The historic program gives new hope to all, including us at the NTB, to have better access to medical care. At the end, it is expected to improve the health of the people at large," Majdil added. Under the health insurance scheme, the government will fulfill its obligation to every citizen by offering equal rights and opportunities to avail medical care. The program is mandated by the Law No. 40/2004 on the National Social Security System. For NTB, the program will serve 2,259,558 people or 48 percent of its total population. Each person will have to pay Rp19,225 per month. In 2014, the province has allocated a budget of Rp20 billion to cover the health insurance of 41,376 people, who are not covered by the central government`s community health insurance. The funds will also be used to offer medical care to pregnant women in a fund-sharing scheme with the city and district administrations. "Under this program, all pregnant women will be covered by medical insurance, including during delivery," he remarked. Director of NTB Regional Public Hospital Lalu Mawardi Hamri added that his hospital is prepared to serve BPJS cardholders. Meanwhile, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono officially launched the operations of the Social Insurance Management Agency (BPJS) and the National Health Insurance Program at the Bogor Palace, Bogor, West Java, on Tuesday (Dec. 31). The operations of the BPJS and the implementation of the National Health Insurance Program has commenced on January 1, 2014. President Yudhoyono has urged all parties associated with the implementation of the Social Security Organizing Body (BPJS) on health affairs to work towards making the program a success. "Therefore, my instruction to all relevant parties such as the central government, regional governments, BPJS health insurance, hospitals, and all health facilities is to ensure that this important and historic program is a success," added the president.