During a meeting with Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto at his office in Jakarta, Karnavian emphasized the importance of removing internship fees for prospective specialist doctors.
“This would not only ease the burden on intern doctors, but also improve the quality of hospital services,” he said, according to a statement released Friday.
Karnavian stated he would issue a circular to follow up on the discussion.
He also highlighted two proposals put forward by Minister Yuliarto to enhance PPDS.
The first involves designating more RSUDs as educational hospitals, particularly for medical faculties that currently lack such facilities.
“I am ready to issue a joint decree with Minister Yuliarto and Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin to formalize this,” Karnavian affirmed.
The second proposal focused on Jayapura RSUD in Papua Province, which Yuliarto said should be made “more accommodative for medical personnel, including specialist doctors trained through PPDS,” to improve public healthcare services.
Karnavian responded by urging the Higher Education Ministry to expand access to tertiary education in Papua, citing plans to develop colleges in Jayawijaya (Highland Papua) and Nabire (Central Papua).
“We must ensure that higher education reaches all regions, especially Papua,” he said.
President Prabowo Subianto has declared PPDS one of his prioritized quick-win initiatives, aimed at increasing the supply of specialist doctors equitably across the country.
The program is being implemented through collaboration among medical faculties, regional governments, and hospitals, facilitated by the Ministries of Health and Higher Education. Several RSUDs have already agreed to host PPDS participants.
Translator: Fianda S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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