As COVID cases are estimated to decrease next year, health spending on non-COVID will be a priorityJakarta (ANTARA) - The health budget prepared under the 2023 State Budget (APBN) will prioritize non-COVID spending, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has said.
"As COVID cases are estimated to decrease next year, health spending on non-COVID will be a priority," Indrawati informed in a press statement after a limited meeting on the government work plan and indicative ceiling plan for 2023, which was accessed online from here on Thursday.
The health budget has been among the priority focuses in the last three years, the minister noted.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the health budget in 2020 was increased from Rp113 trillion to Rp172 trillion, of which Rp52.4 trillion was spent on handling COVID-19.
Then, in 2021, the health budget was raised to Rp312 trillion, of which Rp190 trillion was allocated for handling COVID-19, including the procurement of vaccines.
"And for 2022, the spending is estimated to reach Rp255 trillion, Rp116.4 trillion of which is for COVID (handling)," said the Minister of Finance.
The government has estimated that non-COVID health spending this year will reach Rp139 trillion. In the 2023 State Budget, health spending will be increased to a range of Rp155 trillion to Rp193.7 trillion.
The increase in the non-COVID budget is aimed at supporting reforms in the health sector carried out by the Ministry of Health, especially for the provision of national health insurance.
The budget will also focus on increasing health preparedness, supporting the development of health facilities and infrastructure, especially in the regions, and improving health services and reducing stunting rates.
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Translator: Katriana
Editor: Sri Haryati
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