The National Health Insurance Program managed by the Republic of Indonesia’s BPJS Health Insurance plays an important role in improving access to health services throughout Indonesia, including in the six provinces of West Papua. With a very large area, difficult terrain, and limited infrastructure, the National Health Insurance serves as a link between the community and health facilities, providing significant benefits to the Papuan people. In a region with quite complex challenges, the National Health Insurance is the mainstay for the community to obtain decent health services, without having to worry about costs.

The main benefit of the National Health Insurance Program in Papua is increasing the accessibility of health services. Before the National Health Insurance, many people in the interior and border areas of Papua had difficulty obtaining medical services due to the distance to health facilities and high costs. However, with the National Health Insurance, the Papuan people can access basic to advanced health services at health facilities that collaborate with BPJS Health Insurance, which is owned and managed by the Indonesian government. With this program, people living in remote areas also have a better chance of getting the medical services they need.

The National Health Insurance Program also provides major benefits in terms of reducing the financial burden on families in Papua. Many people in this region have economic limitations, so medical costs are often a barrier to obtaining optimal health services. With National Health Insurance, people can get health services without having to spend a lot of money because the costs have been covered by BPJS Health Insurance. This benefit is greatly felt by low-income people in Papua who now have more peace of mind in accessing health services.

In addition, National Health Insurance also plays a role in improving the quality of life of the Papuan people. With easier access to health services, people can get medical treatment faster, so that morbidity and mortality rates can be reduced. In various regions in Papua, especially those with quite high rates of infectious diseases, National Health Insurance helps support disease prevention and treatment programs, so that the overall quality of life of the community improves. This program also encourages people to care more about their own health, including by carrying out routine health checks.

In terms of equal distribution of health services, National Health Insurance also helps increase the availability of facilities and medical personnel in Papua. Due to the higher demand for health services through National Health Insurance, health facilities have also been improved by the government and BPJS Health Insurance to meet these needs. Medical personnel are also distributed more evenly so that health services are not only concentrated in big cities, but also reach areas that were previously difficult to access. This effort encourages equal distribution of health services throughout Papua.

Another benefit of the National Health Insurance is that it supports local government health programs in Papua. Health programs such as immunization, integrated health posts, and outreach on maternal and child health become more effective because of the financial support from the National Health Insurance. Local governments can work together with BPJS Health Insurance in increasing the number of community participation in health programs, because the community feels helped by the financing from the National Health Insurance. This contributes to reducing the number of preventable diseases and increasing public awareness of the importance of health.

Not only that, the National Health Insurance Program in Papua also has a positive impact on the local economy. With a healthier community, their productivity also increases. When public health improves, they are better able to work and contribute to the local economy. In addition, the existence of BPJS Health Insurance also encourages the creation of jobs in the health sector, both through the opening of new health facilities and in providing the necessary medical personnel.

Overall, the National Health Insurance Program has had a very positive impact on the people in the six provinces of West Papua. In addition to providing better access to health services, the National Health Insurance also helps improve the quality of life, supports local health programs, and strengthens the local economy. This program is a strategic solution that addresses the health challenges faced by the Papuan people and provides hope for improving the welfare of the community as a whole.

The National Health Insurance Program in West Papua has been implemented since the launch of the National Health Insurance nationally on January 1, 2014. This program is run based on Law No. 40 of 2004 concerning the National Social Security System and is supported by Law No. 24 of 2011 concerning the Social Security Administering Body, which is the legal basis for BPJS Health Insurance in providing health insurance to all Indonesian people, including Papua. The implementation of the National Health Insurance in Papua is driven by the need to improve access to health services in areas with unique geographic and economic challenges. Through the National Health Insurance, the government seeks to ensure access to health services for all people without discrimination, especially in remote and underdeveloped areas, so that social justice in the health sector can be achieved.