JKN becomes pillar of hope for Herna amid dialysis routine

Twice a week, Herna Sumiratna (41) walks to the haemodialysis unit at RSUD KHZ Mustofa in Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java. For the past three years, she has had to make the trip regularly to undergo dialysis after the hypertension she suffered from developed into chronic kidney failure.

Behind that struggle, Herna says she is grateful not to have to worry about medical costs because she is registered as a participant in the Health Insurance Contribution Assistance scheme (PBI JK).

The routine, which she never imagined would be part of her life, has now become a chapter in her fight to keep living, with full support from the National Health Insurance (JKN) programme that covers her healthcare services.

When met during her dialysis session, the woman, who works as a housewife, explained that it all began when her hypertension could not be brought under control.

“The diagnosis left me shocked and devastated,” Herna said in a statement received in Jakarta on Friday.

Since then, every Tuesday and Friday has become a fixed schedule for Herna to undergo therapy. The hum of the dialysis machines in the haemodialysis unit has made her accept the reality that this therapy is now part of her life.

“Throughout my dialysis treatment here at RSUD KHZ Mustofa, the service from the doctors and nurses has been very friendly, and they always encourage us,” she said.

For Herna, the JKN programme is the main pillar supporting her treatment without having to worry about healthcare costs. This is what makes her grateful, calmer and more focused on undergoing haemodialysis regularly.

“Especially for people with chronic illnesses, I am sure they feel the same way I do. Thanks to JKN, our health protection is guaranteed and we do not need to worry about costs,” Herna said.

Herna expressed her appreciation to BPJS Kesehatan and RSUD KHZ Mustofa for providing her with the best possible service. She hopes the service she has experienced can be maintained so that the benefits of JKN felt by the public continue to improve.

“I hope what is good is maintained and what is lacking is improved. Let us become JKN participants so that our health is protected, and if we fall ill, we no longer need to worry about costs,” Herna said.