Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin has outlined a number of strategic steps for achieving the target of at least 98 percent universal health coverage (UHC) so that all residents have access to health services by 2024.

At the “Awarding of the 2023 UHC” to regional governments in Jakarta on Tuesday, he asked local governments to first assume an active role by registering vulnerable residents for the National Healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS) Health, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, and displaced people.

"I appreciate the commitment to providing the regional budget to cover for health insurance contributions. Strong funding will ensure the sustainability of the program on an ongoing basis," he said.

Second, local governments will need to ensure that employers provide proper access to health insurance to workers and their families.

"Local governments must ensure that all employers in their area register their workers and family members as participants without exception," he emphasized.

Third, local governments are expected to provide assistance to informal workers to participate in the National Health Insurance Program (JKN).

"The local government must encourage informal workers with a stable financial income to register themselves and their families for the JKN Program," the Vice President said.

He expressed the hope that the provincial government will continue to improve the quality of services, starting with health facilities and personnel.

"The local government is also encouraged to improve the quality of health services by providing health facilities, including health human resources, to provide better health services to the community," he disclosed.

Fourth, the Vice President asked BPJS Health to continue to improve the quality of services for all participants.

"BPJS Health's program, namely the JKN program, must really benefit the community," he stressed.

He also instructed related elements to synergize and collaborate to ensure the provision of public health services through the JKN program.

"I ask to strengthen the synergy between BPJS Health, ministries/agencies, and all regional governments to ensure that all residents are protected through the JKN program," he added.

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Translator: Rangga Pandu A J, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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