Expanding Screening and Immunization: A Game-Changer for Indonesia’s Health Sector
The Indonesian health service ecosystem has the potential for significant improvement through the expansion of screening and immunization, with the cost being covered by the national health insurer, BPJS Health. This initiative, aimed at preventive measures and early detection, is a key priority for the Ministry of Health.
Prastuti Soewondo, the Health Minister’s special staff for public health services, highlighted the importance of socializing preventive measures to protect against diseases. Speaking at a health talk show in Jakarta, she emphasized the need for community participation in maintaining healthy behaviors to alleviate the burden on BPJS Health.
To ensure effective treatment, particularly for non-communicable diseases, strategic investments must be made to enhance all health facilities and increase the availability of competent doctors. Soewondo stressed the importance of strengthening first-level health facilities by providing doctors, improving their competency, and upgrading equipment to prevent the deterioration of patients’ conditions.
Advanced referral health facilities should also analyze data from BPJS Health, focusing on the leading causes of mortality among patients with non-communicable diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, and urology. This data analysis aims to streamline the treatment process and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
In terms of innovative treatments, Soewondo recommended a gradual and data-driven approach. By including all innovative medicines in the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) recommendation, treatments can be more accessible. She stressed the significance of evidence-based research for ensuring the effectiveness of these treatments.
Transforming the Indonesian health system is a priority for the Ministry of Health. This transformation will be guided by the six pillars: primary services, referral services, health resilience system, health financing system, health human resources, and health technology.
The shift from a curative mindset to a preventive one is crucial, according to the Ministry. By promoting preventive measures such as screening and immunization, the burden on the health system can be alleviated, enabling resources to be utilized more effectively.
Expanding screening and immunization programs in Indonesia has the potential to be a game-changer for the health sector. By prioritizing preventive measures, increasing access to doctors, and embracing innovative treatments based on data analysis, Indonesia can significantly improve its healthcare services and protect its population from the burden of diseases.
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