BGN's Parliamentary Delegate Warns of Price Hike on Free Health Program for Children Under 12
A parliamentary delegate from the Indonesian Board of General Affairs (BGN), has expressed concerns over the potential price hike on the Mandatory Child Health Program (MBG) which provides free healthcare services to children under 12 years old.
The program, a cornerstone of Indonesia's social protection policies, aims to improve the health and well-being of millions of vulnerable children across the country. However, a recent proposal by the BGN suggests that the government may increase the fees associated with MBG, which could lead to reduced access for low-income families.
According to the parliamentary delegate, such a move would be detrimental to the program's purpose, as it would disproportionately affect poor households who rely heavily on MBG for their child's healthcare needs. This could result in many children being denied essential medical services, compromising their health and potentially leading to long-term consequences.
The BGN delegation urged the government to reconsider its proposal, emphasizing that any changes to the program should prioritize the welfare of the most vulnerable populations. The representative stressed that maintaining free healthcare for children under 12 was crucial to ensuring they receive timely and quality care, thereby promoting healthy development and reducing child mortality rates.
The controversy highlights concerns over the implementation of cost-cutting measures in public health programs, which could undermine Indonesia's commitment to providing universal access to essential services.
A parliamentary delegate from the Indonesian Board of General Affairs (BGN), has expressed concerns over the potential price hike on the Mandatory Child Health Program (MBG) which provides free healthcare services to children under 12 years old.
The program, a cornerstone of Indonesia's social protection policies, aims to improve the health and well-being of millions of vulnerable children across the country. However, a recent proposal by the BGN suggests that the government may increase the fees associated with MBG, which could lead to reduced access for low-income families.
According to the parliamentary delegate, such a move would be detrimental to the program's purpose, as it would disproportionately affect poor households who rely heavily on MBG for their child's healthcare needs. This could result in many children being denied essential medical services, compromising their health and potentially leading to long-term consequences.
The BGN delegation urged the government to reconsider its proposal, emphasizing that any changes to the program should prioritize the welfare of the most vulnerable populations. The representative stressed that maintaining free healthcare for children under 12 was crucial to ensuring they receive timely and quality care, thereby promoting healthy development and reducing child mortality rates.
The controversy highlights concerns over the implementation of cost-cutting measures in public health programs, which could undermine Indonesia's commitment to providing universal access to essential services.