"Based on experience, not all of the mandatory spending reaches its destination," Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin highlighted after a working meeting with Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR) here on Monday.
"The goal of mandatory spending allocation is not just about the amount of allocation, but also budget spending commitment from the government to ensure that programs in certain sectors can run," he added.
Based on this experience, the ministry has proposed a more effective and efficient alternative method to fulfill the substance of health budget allocation, namely the government's commitment to implement programs in certain sectors.
The government has also slashed the health budget allocation by at least 10 percent within the Health Bill, both at the central and regional level, as stipulated within Article 420, points (2) and (3), of the Health Bill.
The Democratic and PKS factions believe the decision can lead to a decline in people's access to health services, Sadikin said.
The government has proposed a five-year health master plan mechanism that will involve integration between regional governments, the central government, and other institutions, such as the National Healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS), which also has a health fund.
"Throughout this time, the integration process has been sometimes hard to realize," he noted.
The new method has been suggested to DPR’s Commission IX to support the formulation of a clearer program so that the implementation of the health program in various sectors can absorb the budget optimally.
"As the long as the program is clear, the budget spending is clear, the Minister of Finance will always support it," he assured.
Related news: Minister addresses differences on Draft Health Bill at DPR
Related news: Health Bill cares for maternal health since before pregnancy: Ministry
Related news: Health Bill ensures protection of infants, children: Ministry
Translator: Andi Firdaus, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
