Hindra Kaligis, an Indonesian citizen from the Motoling area in South Minahasa, is living through a painful experience with kidney disease, yet he feels grateful for the national health insurance system that has helped him access essential treatment. Since he began suffering from symptoms of the disease at the end of 2018, health insurance has become a crucial part of his treatment journey.
In his remarks, Hindra emphasized that the National Health Insurance System (JKN) not only provided him access to healthcare services but also became a fundamental support for patients suffering from chronic illnesses requiring long-term care. He started feeling symptoms of his illness when he noticed a sharp decline in his health, including vomiting, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and increased blood pressure.
Event Details
After undergoing medical examinations, doctors discovered that his creatinine level had reached 4, which exceeds the normal range of around 1.3. The doctors indicated that this condition reflects a serious problem with kidney function, which could be caused by factors such as high blood pressure, elevated uric acid levels, and high cholesterol.
Despite receiving intensive treatment over three years, his kidney condition did not improve significantly, prompting doctors to recommend dialysis. This physically and financially demanding procedure typically requires patients to undergo dialysis twice a week, leading to substantial costs of around 1.3 million Indonesian rupiah per session.
Background & Context
The National Health Insurance System in Indonesia was established as part of the government's efforts to improve healthcare and provide it for all citizens. This system aims to achieve equity in access to health services, where healthy individuals contribute to support patients. This system has become an urgent necessity in light of the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases in Indonesian society.
Chronic diseases such as kidney failure pose significant health challenges in Indonesia, with many individuals suffering from these conditions. As the number of patients rises, it becomes essential to have an effective health system capable of managing these burdens.
Impact & Consequences
Hindra's experience illustrates the importance of health insurance in providing support for patients, as he affirmed that without the JKN system, it would have been difficult for him to bear the costs of treatment. This experience reflects how a robust health insurance system can make a significant difference in individuals' lives, especially under challenging health conditions.
Hindra also stresses the importance of maintaining active participation in the health insurance system, as illness can arise unexpectedly. By ensuring regular payment of contributions, individuals can obtain the necessary health protection when they need it.
Regional Significance
Hindra's experience serves as a model for the Arab world, where many countries face similar challenges in providing healthcare. Effective health insurance systems can contribute to improving patients' quality of life and alleviating their financial burdens.
In light of recurring health crises, Arab countries should learn from international experiences in developing comprehensive health systems that guarantee citizens' rights to access healthcare.