On national health bill

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