Agromedis – Students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jember (FK UNEJ) Class of 2024 had the valuable opportunity to attend a public lecture organized by BPJS Kesehatan Jember Branch. The event was held at the FK UNEJ Auditorium and featured two main speakers from BPJS Kesehatan Jember: Yessy Novita, SKM, AAK, AAIJ, Head of the Jember Branch, and dr. Widya Waskito, Head of the Referral Benefit Guarantee Division.
The lecture began with a presentation by Yessy Novita, who explained the concept of Social Health Insurance (SHI). She described SHI as a healthcare financing system based on mandatory contributions, where all citizens participate in ensuring equal and affordable access to healthcare services. She also emphasized the crucial role of BPJS Kesehatan in managing SHI in Indonesia as a form of social protection for the entire population.
Yessy further discussed the history of BPJS Kesehatan and its continuous efforts to improve healthcare service quality through the National Health Insurance (Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional – JKN) system. “At BPJS Kesehatan, we are committed to ensuring that every citizen receives their right to healthcare services. Medical students like you will become an important part of this ecosystem,” she stated.
The next session was delivered by dr. Widya Waskito, who presented the National Health Insurance (JKN) system currently implemented in Indonesia. He explained how JKN serves as a key instrument in ensuring equitable access to healthcare services across the country. He also elaborated on the referral benefit system within BPJS Kesehatan, from procedures at primary healthcare facilities to referral hospitals.
According to dr. Widya, understanding the referral system is essential for medical students who will be directly involved in patient care. “You must understand how the referral system works—from community health centers and clinics to referral hospitals. This is crucial to ensure patients receive appropriate care and that the healthcare system functions effectively,” he emphasized.
Following the presentations, an interactive discussion session was held. FK UNEJ students enthusiastically asked questions regarding SHI, JKN, and the challenges faced by BPJS Kesehatan in delivering healthcare services. Several students also inquired about the role of doctors within the system and how they could contribute effectively.
The dynamic discussion reflected the students’ strong interest in national health issues, particularly those related to health insurance. “This discussion was very insightful. I now better understand the important role of doctors in supporting the sustainability of Indonesia’s healthcare system,” said Rani, one of the participants.
The public lecture concluded with a group photo session and the presentation of tokens of appreciation from FK UNEJ to the speakers. The Dean of FK UNEJ, Dr. dr. Ulfa Elfiah, expressed hope that similar activities would be held regularly to enhance students’ knowledge, particularly in public health and social health insurance.
This public lecture is part of FK UNEJ’s efforts to prepare medical students who are not only clinically competent but also well-informed about healthcare policies and systems in Indonesia.
Author: AKR