Hendra Not Worried About Undergoing Dialysis Thanks to BPJS Kesehatan Coverage

The presence of JKN not only provides access to healthcare services but also serves as a support for patients with chronic illnesses who require long-term care. Manado (ANTARA) - Hendra Kaligis, a resident of Motoling in South Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi, is not worried about undergoing dialysis as he directly experiences the benefits of the National Health Insurance. “The presence of JKN not only provides access to healthcare services but also becomes a support for patients with chronic diseases who need long-term care,” said Hendra in Minahasa on Tuesday. Hendra recounted that the initial symptoms of his illness began to be felt at the end of 2018. At that time, his physical condition experienced a quite drastic decline. He often vomited, felt weak, had a pale face, had difficulty sleeping, and continuously rising blood pressure. This condition required him to immediately receive medical treatment at the hospital. “Initially, I thought it was just ordinary fatigue, but after being examined, the results were quite surprising,” Hendra recounted. After undergoing a series of laboratory tests, the doctor found that the creatinine level in his blood had reached 4, far above the normal limit of around 1.3. This result indicated a serious disorder in kidney function. The doctor suspected this condition was influenced by several factors, such as hypertension, uric acid, as well as high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. However, even after undergoing intensive treatment for nearly three years, his kidney condition showed no significant improvement. The creatinine level that had dropped from 3.5 to 3.2 was still considered high, so the doctor finally recommended haemodialysis or what is better known as dialysis. Haemodialysis is not a light procedure, either physically or financially. In one week, patients generally have to undergo dialysis twice. That means, in one month, it can reach eight procedures. Each procedure is estimated to cost around Rp1.3 million, not including the need for medications, vitamins, and regular doctor consultations. Amid this condition, Hendra admitted he was greatly helped by his active participation in JKN. The entire series of treatments he underwent could be covered, so he did not have to worry about the heavy financial burden. JKN, implemented by BPJS Kesehatan, indeed emphasises the principle of gotong royong. Healthy participants help those who are ill, so everyone has an equal opportunity to receive decent healthcare services. For Hendra, this principle is not just a concept but is truly felt in his life. Furthermore, Hendra also reminded the public of the importance of maintaining active JKN membership. According to him, the risk of illness can come at any time without prediction, but by ensuring membership remains active through regular premium payments, the public can obtain health protection when needed. “We never know when illness will come. So it’s better to be prepared from now by ensuring JKN remains active,” he advised.