Jakarta – The Chief of Staff to the President, Dr. Moeldoko, has sought to assure the public that the proposed Health Bill Omnibus Law is designed with fairness in mind and does not intend to diminish the role of any party at the expense of others.
While engaging with representatives from 23 healthcare organizations at the Bina Graha Building in Jakarta on Monday (12/6), Dr. Moeldoko also extended his appreciation for their steadfast support of the Health Bill. He underscored the bill’s overarching goal of ensuring the proportional representation of all stakeholders, including professional organizations.
“We appreciate your support for the Health Bill. This bill actually ensures that all parties, including professional organizations, are placed in a proportional position. We also hope that the scope of this bill can be expanded to cover areas that have not yet been addressed,” stated Moeldoko.
“While the draft bill has been extensively discussed, if there are urgent suggestions, they can still be forwarded to the House Representatives Commission IX. This way, the aspirations of healthcare professionals can be accommodated effectively,” he added.
Moeldoko also commended the healthcare organizations for contributing their aspirations regarding the Health Bill, highlighting that the public plays a crucial role as a pressure group, actively influencing the formulation of national policies.
He emphasized that the Executive Office of the President (KSP) serves as the final avenue for citizens to voice their opinions, complaints, or even criticisms of the government. Therefore, the KSP is open to receiving feedback from healthcare organizations and all parties involved in the Health Bill Omnibus Law.
Meanwhile, the 23 healthcare organizations represent various sectors, including midwives, nurses, pharmacists, academic institutions, and more. They expressed their support for expediting the enactment of the Health Bill Omnibus Law, as they believe it aligns with the transformation of Indonesia’s healthcare system, aiming to provide quality healthcare access and facilities for the public.
They also hope that the Health Bill will replace Law No. 29 of 2004 concerning Medical Practice, which they believe grants excessive authority to a single professional organization, thereby hindering government healthcare programs due to conflicting interests.
Merry Patrinilla, a representative from a pharmacist organization based in Mojokerto, East Java, emphasized the crucial need for the government and the House Representatives to forge ahead in enacting the Health Bill as law.
“Opposition to the Health Bill primarily stems from a majority of executive members within professional organizations, while the majority of healthcare professionals at the grassroots level accept and appreciate the essence of the Health Bill, which aims to streamline administrative practice requirements,” she said.
As discussions surrounding the Health Bill continue, Moeldoko’s reassurances aim to address concerns and foster a sense of fairness among the public. The active participation and support of healthcare organizations demonstrate the growing momentum behind the Health Bill, as stakeholders strive to shape a healthcare system that caters to the needs of the people.
