Jokowi Reports 267 Million of Indonesians are BPJS Card Holders

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi claimed that no other country in the world with citizens as large as Indonesia has universal healthcare free of charge.

The statement was conveyed during his visit to beneficiaries of the Social Health Insurance Administration Body or BPJS Kesehatan in Blora, Central Java on Tuesday.

Jokowi mentioned that as many as 267 million Indonesian citizens have obtained BPJK Kesehatan cards, with 96 million among them having their BPJS dues covered by the State Budget.

However, Jokowi also highlighted the issue arising from this program, one of which is the overwhelming number of BPJS-holders in medical facilities. "I mean, if the disease is mild, don't go to hospitals, just go to Puskesmas (public health center)," he said.

Jokowi also urged people to maintain their health to anticipate the crowded health facilities. "BPJS and KIS (Indonesian Health Card) cards are used anticipatory, so you don't have to pay once you are sick," he said.

One of the measures to keep their health is by consuming healthy foods. "Keep in mind the level of sugar and cholesterol, don't consume fatty foods excessively," he said. "The most important thing, ladies and gentlemen, is to be healthy. Be mindful of what you consume, especially for those aged over 60 years old."

The president also reminded people to not forgo exercises. "People need to understand the importance of health. Health is better maintained as early as possible. Eating and exercising, both must be maintained," he concluded.

ANTARA

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