Regent Balangan: Protect the people with universal health services

Protecting the people through Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is the flagship program of the Balangan District Government, which is being felt by the local community.

 
Under the leadership of Balangan District Head Drs. H Ansharuddin MSi, now all residents are able to access health services at affordable costs.
     
Universal health coverage means the availability of equitable health services and financial risk protection so that all residents can access quality health services according to their medical needs, from health promotion to prevention, care, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
     
Ansharuddin considered that providing overall health insurance and protection to the community was no less important than the development of education and other infrastructure. "Only with a strong and healthy body, will the impact of regional development be felt by all people," he said.

Building a strong, efficient and well-managed health system continues to be carried out by the district government. "In order for the community to be active, of course, they must be in a healthy state, at least not worrying about the costs of treatment and care in health centers and hospitals," he said.
     
As Balangan Regent since February 17, 2016, the main thing that became his policy was to ensure free health services for the entire community, through the Regional Health Insurance (Jamkesda).

He realized it was impossible to please and grant the request of every citizen with 124 thousand more lives. That's why he published the Jamkesda policy at the beginning of his administration, as the basis for carrying out every policy to develop the community and Balangan.

As time went on, Jamkesda did not satisfy the heart of this high-social leader. He was also concerned about the condition of the Balangan people who were outside the area, such as those who were traveling, children who are studying outside, and other factors, where the coverage of Jamkesda only applies to areas in Balangan District.
     
Finally, in 2017, Anshar boosted services that were closely related to the data collection of all citizens, namely the Population and Civil Registration Agency(Disdukcapil).

Through the program, the regent wants the community not to worry about being hit by the amount of medical expenses if they are sick. He did not want to hear the term, "poor people are prohibited from illness" in Balangan.
     
The Regent wants the community to rise from an economic, welfare, HR perspective, without worrying about medical expenses. That is why he thinks, health insurance is a major factor in all government policies.
     
Since January 1, 2018, as many as 78 thousand more Balangan residents have held KIS cards and become the National Health Insurance-Healthy Indonesia Card (JKN-KIS) participants from BPJS Kesehatan (Health Care and Social Security Agency).
     
Residents who have not held a JKN-KIS card from BPJS, but have an electronic KTP or are registered as Balangan residents are automatically registered as JKN-KIS participants with fees guaranteed by the local Government, namely free services without monthly fees.

His hard work was rewarded by the Indonesian President Joko Widodo in the form of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Award. Awards were given to 92 regencies, 28 cities and 4 provinces in Indonesia, which were symbolically submitted by the President at the State Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (23/5).

Balangan Regency is the only area in South Kalimantan Province that dares to provide guarantees to all communities.
     
"This is happiness, people can feel the benefits of KIS, especially for those who want to seek treatment or consultations with the health center or hospital, including those who are referred to outside the region for example to the province or out of the province," he added.

Meanwhile, the Antara National News Agency, as the only state news agency, will give awards to the regional government who have a strong commitment to improving community welfare.

The Chairman of the Assessment Team Syamsuddin said several indicators of regional program feasible to receive the Antara Award are consistency in the implementation of the program, it changing the mindset of the community to be better and to encourage the welfare of the community.

In addition, it has broad support from all parties involved and has been successfully implemented in accordance with the program set.