Government Will Provide Compensation For People With Disabilities Or Died After COVID-19 Vaccination

Illustration (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The government is ready to guarantee compensation or financial aid for residents who experience an Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) which leads to disability and death due to the influence of the COVID-19 vaccine. This is stated in Presidential Decree No. 14 Year 2021.

The Presidential Decree was signed by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on February 9, 2021 as an amendment to Presidential Decree Number 99 Year 2020 regarding Vaccine Procurement in the Context of the 2019 Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic.

In Article 15B paragraph (1) of Presidential Decree Number 14 Year 2021, it is explained that an Adverse Event Following Immunization of vaccination is affected by the COVID-19 vaccine product based on the results of a causality study, and the case results in disability or death, then compensation will be given by the government.

Meanwhile, Article 15B paragraph (3) explains the criteria up to the amount of the compensation value or the cost of compensation. Which is read:

"Further provisions regarding the criteria, form, and value of the amount for compensation as referred to in paragraph (1) shall be stipulated by the Minister of Health after obtaining the approval of the Minister of Finance," as quoted on Sunday, February 14.

The government also regulates a compensation scheme in the event of an AEFI which requires a treatment protocol and medical care. Meanwhile, medical and treatment costs are carried out with the provisions as set out in Article 15A paragraph (4).

"For cases of follow-up events after COVID-l9 vaccination as referred to in paragraph (1), treatment and medical indication and treatment protocol, then the cost of curing and treatment is carried out with the provisions," states article 15A paragraph (4).

Meanwhile, in article 15A paragraph (4) point a, it is stated that active participants of the National Health Insurance (JKN) program are covered through the National Health Insurance mechanism.

Meanwhile, in point b, it is explained that non-active JKN program participants and other than JKN program participants are funded through other funding mechanisms originating from the state revenue and expenditure budget which is implemented in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations in the field of state finance.

Meanwhile, in article 15A paragraph (5) it is also explained that the provision of health services if a vaccination participant is a non-active participant of the JKN program and other than a JKN program participant, is given the equivalent of class III health services for the JKN Program.