Indonesia's Jokowi pushes hospitals to treat poor patients

 05-May-15, Asia One

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said on Monday that all private hospitals would be required to admit and serve residents holding national health cards in the future, adding that their licenses will be revoked should they not comply.

Image: AFP

Jokowi paid a visit to Temuwangi village in Klaten, Central Java, to distribute the Indonesia Health Card (KIS) under national health insurance (JKN), as well as the Indonesia Smart Card (KIP) and the Prosperous Family Card (KKS), to local residents on Monday. "If [they] reject [KIS holders], their licenses will be revoked," said Jokowi in his speech as quoted on the Cabinet Secretariat website.

The Health Care & Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan) covers over 140 million members and is expected to continue growing as the government has tried to reach more poor people and those working in the informal sector.

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