Healthcare Access Expanded in Langkat, 500 Families to Receive Free BPJS Coverage
Healthcare access for residents in remote areas of Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, is being expanded. PT Perkebunan Nusantara I (Persero), through its subsidiary PT Tembakau Deli Medica (TDM), is paying the BPJS Kesehatan premiums for 500 underprivileged families while simultaneously opening BPJS services at Tanjung Selamat General Hospital (RSU Tanjung Selamat).
This step is part of an effort to broaden healthcare services for communities that have previously struggled to access medical facilities due to distance and transportation limitations. The cooperation between PT TDM and BPJS Kesehatan was signed last week. Under this agreement, RSU Tanjung Selamat, located in the Padang Tualang District, is now officially serving National Health Insurance (JKN) participants.
The hospital, which has operated since 1892 during the Dutch colonial plantation era, previously primarily served the internal needs of the company. It has now been opened more widely to the general public as part of support for the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme in North Sumatra.
The President Director of PTPN I, Teddy Yunirman Danas, stated that the company aims to ensure that communities around its operational areas have easier and more affordable access to healthcare. “Today we are witnessing a strategic policy from PWB I through PT Tembakau Deli Medica as the manager of RSU Tanjung Selamat. We have entered into a partnership with BPJS Kesehatan to provide more equitable healthcare services,” said Teddy.
He added that the company is also covering the BPJS Kesehatan premiums for 500 underprivileged families as a form of corporate social responsibility towards the local community. He noted that the primary issue faced by residents was not only medical costs but also geographical hurdles and limited transportation to referral hospitals in Stabat.
“Through the integration of BPJS Kesehatan at RSU Tanjung Selamat, we want to eliminate geographical barriers for residents in the Batang Serangan, Sawit Seberang, and Padang Tualang districts. No more community members should struggle to seek treatment simply due to transportation constraints and excessive distances,” he said.
The introduction of BPJS services at RSU Tanjung Selamat is considered vital, as the region has historically had limited healthcare access, with residents in several districts having to travel dozens of kilometres for basic or referral medical services.
The Head of the Medan Branch of BPJS Kesehatan, Yasmin Ramadhana Harahap, expressed appreciation for the company’s initiative to open healthcare access for communities far from health service centres. “We highly appreciate PTPN I, through PT TDM and RSU Tanjung Selamat, for providing free JKN membership assistance to 500 local residents. This should serve as an example for other companies,” said Yasmin.
She noted that collaboration between the business sector and BPJS Kesehatan is a solution to expanding the reach of national healthcare services, particularly in areas with limited medical facilities. Yasmin hopes that RSU Tanjung Selamat can develop into a preferred hospital for JKN participants in the Langkat region while maintaining service quality in accordance with health regulations.
Appreciation also came from the Langkat Regency Government. The Regent of Langkat, Syah Afandin, through the Head of Padang Tuala District, Muhamad Iswanda, mentioned that the presence of BPJS services at the hospital is the answer to the community’s long-standing needs. “This step is very positive and awaited by the community. Previously, limited public transportation made access to referral hospitals very burdensome for residents,” said Iswanda.
Similarly, the Head of the Health Division of the North Sumatra Health Office, Emirsyah Harahap, emphasised the importance of maintaining service standards and the professionalism of healthcare workers. “The presence of BPJS access at RSU Tanjung Selamat is vital to reduce the congestion of referrals to hospitals in Stabat and Tanjung Pura.”
In addition to the BPJS cooperation signing, the event included the distribution of aid to 30 orphans from surrounding villages. With the availability of BPJS Kesehatan services at RSU Tanjung Selamat, residents in the hinterlands of Langkat now have healthcare options that are closer and more accessible.