Health

The year 2016 marks the second year of the rollout of universal health care, known locally as JKN, which aims to cover a population of approximately 260m by 2019. While millions have already been brought under coverage, reaching the whole population of an archipelago that contains 6000 inhabited islands will be no easy feat. Still, hopes are high for JKN. With greater access driving greater need for services, the government and its private sector partners are prioritising the expansion of health care infrastructure and the training and recruitment of medical professionals. Meanwhile, the country’s ageing population and shifting disease profile are triggering demand for specialised care and equipment in facilities. As the government works to offset the effects of global economic headwinds on its energy and industry sectors, health is increasingly viewed as an area that can help sustain growth and draw investor interest.

This chapter contains interviews with Nila Moeloek, Minister of Health; and Romeo Lledo, President-Director, Siloam Hospitals.