Physiotherapy Claims in Indonesia Reach Rp 5 Trillion Amid Rising Non-Communicable Diseases

The escalating prevalence of non-communicable diseases (PTM) in Indonesia has led to a significant increase in the demand for physiotherapy services, consequently driving up the cost of claims within the national health insurance (JKN) program to around Rp 5 trillion. The Indonesian Physiotherapy Association (IFI) attributes this financial burden not only to the growing patient numbers but also to the current healthcare system's reliance on a sequential referral mechanism.

According to Muh. Irfan, Secretary General of IFI, non-communicable diseases now constitute approximately 73% of national health burdens, with most cases requiring rehabilitation and functional recovery through physiotherapy. He noted that the current system often results in a backlog of rehabilitation cases at hospitals, even though many could be addressed earlier and more efficiently at primary healthcare facilities or through independent physiotherapy practices.

IFI is advocating for BPJS Kesehatan, the national health insurance provider, to adjust its policies in line with the new Health Law. This law provides a broader scope for physiotherapists to conduct assessments and make diagnoses within their professional competencies. IFI believes that simplifying the service access pathway could enhance the efficiency of healthcare financing and expedite patient recovery, thereby reducing the risk of complications and disabilities.

The association is actively providing input to BPJS Kesehatan to optimize physiotherapy services, aiming for more efficient processes and cost-effectiveness, ultimately enabling faster patient recovery. IFI hopes that an evaluation of the referral system will be a key step in strengthening national rehabilitation services, especially given the rising incidence of chronic illnesses and the near-universal coverage of the JKN program.