Strengthening Primary Health System, Ministry Of Health Allocates IDR 6 Trillion

Health workers measure the height of toddlers to check for stunting at the Mekar Sari Posyandu, Batang, Central Java. (Antara-Harviyan PP)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) allocates a budget for the primary health system reform program in 2023, which is around IDR 6 trillion.

"The allocation for primary service transformation reaches IDR 6 trillion, including nutrition for maternal and child health," said Secretary of the Directorate General of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, August 16.

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in the MPR Annual Session and Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and Regional Representative Council (DPD) 2022 at the Senayan Parliament Complex, Jakarta today, said the health budget is planned for IDR 169.8 trillion, or 5.6 percent of the state expenditure in the 2023 State Budget Draft (RAPBN) of IDR 3.041.7 trillion.

The health budget will be directed at continuing the handling of the pandemic, reforming the health system, accelerating stunting reduction, and continuing the National Health Insurance (JKN) program.

The Directorate General of Public Health starting next year will budget more for activities in primary services in the form of promotive and preventive efforts.

"Including screening for 14 diseases, additional immunizations, there are also changes to the structure and network of services," he added.

Nadia said the budget allocation in 2023 would strengthen the service network under the puskesmas with the existence of a prime Integrated Healthcare Center (posyandu).

"We provide services at the prime posyandu and are equipped with health workers, one midwife, and one nurse," he said.

Posyandu prima will provide guidance on posyandu activities carried out by cadres at the hamlet, or Neighborhood Unit (RT/RW) levels.