Ada Permenaker No 13 Tahun 2022, Pekerja Yang Diagnos TB Tak Bisa Di-PHK Sepihak Oleh Perusahaan

Minister of Manpower Ida Fauziyah. (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that tuberculosis (TBC) is included in the 10 highest causes of death in the world.

It is estimated that there are 969,000 people with TB in Indonesia, and about 75 percent of them have been reported to the Ministry of Health in 2022.

The age group most infected with TB is the productive age (15-54 years) which is labor.

The Indonesian Minister of Manpower admitted that there was a need for support from all parties as an effort to eliminate TB in the workplace.

"The stigma related to this disease makes companies and labor feel ashamed and hinders access to TB care and prevention," Ida told reporters, Wednesday, July 26.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health noted that the types of jobs most infected with Drug Sensitive TB (SO) were workers (54,800), farmers (51,900), and entrepreneurs (44,200).

Meanwhile, TBC Drug Resistant (RO) is dominated by entrepreneurs (751), workers (635), and private employees, State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), and Regional Owned Enterprises (BUMD) (564).

Selain menyebabkan masalah kesehatan, pekerja yang mengalami TB juga berisiko kehilangan pekerjaan dan pendapatan rata-rata selama 3-4 bulan.

Indonesia itself already has a Regulation of the Minister of Manpower Number 13 of 2022 concerning the Control of Tuberculosis in the workplace to become a legal umbrella for workers diagnosed with tuberculosis.

The Permenaker aims so that workers do not experience unilateral termination of employment (PHK) by the company.

"Workers and companies do not need to worry about financing TB treatment because it has been provided free of charge at public health centers and hospitals. If there are workers who are positive for TB, it is highly recommended to seek treatment at the nearest government-owned health facility," he said.

Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin explained that TB is a disease that causes more deaths than COVID-19.

"Currently 245,000 people with TB have not been found, meaning that transmission continues. TB cannot be handled alone by the Ministry of Health. Handling requires inclusive collaborative movements, including by the private sector and in the workplace, according to the theme of tonight's dialogue," he said.

Meanwhile, President of Harvard Club Indonesia (HCI) Melli Darsa said, TBC is a disease that needs to be taken seriously. The reason is, it has a massive potential for spread and can affect health and productivity, even sustainability from a company.

"The development of TB in the workplace because health is an inseparable part of human rights. Every industry player must prioritize the awareness and health of employees, including in the prevention and control of tuberculosis in the work environment," explained Melli.

Melli invites all components of the nation to contribute in providing solutions to various problems of the nation, one of which is TB.

Indonesia Gold 2045 begins with a healthy Indonesian human. This makes the issue of TB a national strategic issue whose solution requires a holistic approach including policy formulation, promotive initiative, preventive and curative actions, as well as broad education. HCI invites all parties and the best Indonesian people to contribute and work hand in hand to complete TB in Indonesia," said Melli.