On national health bill

I am writing in response to the Nov. 10 opinion piece written by Todd Callahan on the National Health Insurance Bill currently being considered by the House of Representatives. I agree with his views that the scheme is both unaffordable and impractical to be implemented in Indonesia.

It is unfair for the government to set up very different contribution rates for formal and informal sector workers. The high contribution rate for formal workers would cause a substantial financial burden for them, while the benefits that would be received by them is so low that in the end, they have to spend more money from their own pocket to pay for services not covered by the scheme.

There is also no guarantee that the funds collected for this scheme would be used as intended. It is feared that it would only serve as another slush fund for corrupt government officials and politicians.

In this time when a competitive health care market is proven superior to the bureaucratic and inefficient state-run national health system, the government should promote competition and innovation in health care instead of relying on a plan that would do little to improve health care for Indonesians such as above.

ALEX ARIFIANTO
Jakarta