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๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Indonesia /Health & Science

Indonesian Man Relies on National Health Program for Ongoing Thyroid Treatment

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Ahmad Sugiri, 58, travels 20 kilometers monthly for thyroid disorder treatment in Sleman, Indonesia.
  • As a participant in the JKN PBPU BP Pemda health insurance program, he benefits from free treatment and convenient services via the Mobile JKN app.
  • The program has been crucial for Ahmad since losing his factory job, providing essential healthcare coverage supported by government subsidies.

Ahmad Sugiri, a 58-year-old resident of Gunungkidul, Indonesia, diligently travels about 20 kilometers each month for medical check-ups related to his thyroid disorder. His routine involves a nearly hour-long journey to the Advanced Referral Health Facility (FKRTL) in Kalasan, Sleman, following his morning prayers.

Now I can register for a queue number via the Mobile JKN application. My queue number can be below 20, so it's more comfortable.

โ€” Ahmad SugiriDescribing the convenience of the Mobile JKN app for managing appointments.

As a participant in the National Health Security Program (JKN) for self-employed individuals and those not covered by regional government employees (PBPU BP Pemda), Ahmad finds the available services incredibly helpful. He particularly values the convenience offered by the Mobile JKN application, which allows him to secure a low queue number before arriving at the facility, a significant improvement from his previous experience of obtaining high numbers through in-person registration.

Despite the distance, Ahmad does not mind the travel, emphasizing the substantial benefits he receives, primarily that all his medical costs are covered by the JKN program. "Since I first became a JKN participant, I haven't spent any money on treatment. It's very helpful, everything is free," he stated.

Since I first became a JKN participant, I haven't spent any money on treatment. It's very helpful, everything is free.

โ€” Ahmad SugiriHighlighting the financial benefits of the national health insurance program.

This support has been vital for Ahmad, especially after losing his job at a factory in another city. His previous JKN coverage through his employer ended when the factory closed. Upon returning to his hometown and updating his residency, he was able to re-enroll in the JKN program under the PBPU BP Pemda segment, receiving government subsidies for his contributions. He is now undergoing regular check-ups at the internal medicine clinic, following advice from a specialist surgeon, and reports significant improvement in his condition, with a previously bothersome neck lump diminishing.

Alhamdulillah, after registering, I immediately received contribution assistance from the government. At that time, I had just lost my job, so it was very helpful.

โ€” Ahmad SugiriExpressing gratitude for government support after becoming unemployed.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.