Health Ministry refutes budget inflation claims for Krui Hospital medical equipment

The Ministry of Health has refuted rumours circulating on social media regarding the alleged inflation or mark-up of the procurement budget for haemodialysis services at RSUD KH Muhammad Thohir Krui in Pesisir Barat, Lampung. Head of the Ministry’s Communication and Public Information Bureau, Aji Muhawarman, confirmed in Jakarta on Sunday that the hospital received medical equipment support totalling Rp56.7 billion. Aji explained that the Rp30 billion procurement figure mentioned by Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin during a dialogue with President Prabowo Subianto at the hospital’s inauguration referred to the total value of advanced medical equipment procurement for each of the 66 hospitals included in the Quick Win Programme (PHTC). “RSUD Krui itself received approximately Rp31.7 billion in assistance this year for the procurement of these advanced devices. This figure is not solely for haemodialysis services,” he stated. Each hospital will receive basic medical equipment assistance ranging from Rp20 billion to Rp30 billion. RSUD Krui, he noted, is receiving around Rp25 billion in aid for the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years. The procurement also includes ICU bed sets, general surgery instruments, caesarean section instruments, mobile X-ray units, operating lamps, operating tables, plasma sterilisers, infusion pumps, and various other supporting devices for emergency and operating theatre services. Aji expressed hope that the public would not fall for hoaxes suggesting the Health Minister had inflated prices. He also voiced optimism that strengthening RSUD Krui in Pesisir Barat, Lampung, would enhance public healthcare access and quality, enabling local residents to receive more comprehensive medical services without needing frequent referrals outside the region.