TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama symbolically handed over the Healthcare and Social Security (BPJS) cards to 13,322 prisoners in six prisons in Jakarta. One of them is located in Pondok Bambu Prison, East Jakarta.

When he visited the Salemba Prison, Ahok disclosed, he was concerned about many prisoners cannot bear the medical cost. That is why, he decided to distribute the card to them in which its cost will be covered by Jakarta Provincial Government.

According to Ahok, the card is only valid for those serving prison time or became prisoners. If they are free, the card must be re-processed at the community health center (puskesmas) in each region.

"All prisoners' health should be guaranteed. And I hope all General Hospitals (RSUD) and Referral Hospitals are willing to serve them despite they have no BPJS card or so on," asked Ahok after he distributed BPJS cards to prisoners in Pondok Bambu Prison, East Jakarta.

Meanwhile, Jakarta Provincial Office for Law and Human Rights Ministry, Mardjoeki stated from 15 thousands prisoners, the number of BPJS card recipients is 13,322 people. They are from six prisons.

"Prisoners can be treated in referral hospitals. All this time, they only take treatment in clinic that is available in prison. Hence, we thanked for help given by Mr Ahok," he finished.

ANTARA NEWS