North Sumatra Toughens Oversight on Free Healthcare Program

RRI.CO.ID, Medan - The North Sumatra Provincial Administration is intensifying its oversight of the "North Sumatra Berkah" Free Treatment Program, warning healthcare providers of severe sanctions following reports of patient rejection.

As reported by Antara, this move underscores Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution’s commitment to refining Universal Health Coverage (UHC). It ensures that the province’s recent milestone of 100 percent insurance coverage translates directly into high-quality clinical care for all residents.

The initiative, categorized as a Quick Win Result Program (PHTC), has been active since October 2025. While the program allows residents to access medical services simply by presenting their Identity Cards (KTP), recent viral incidents in Medan and Tebing Tinggi involving patient rejection have prompted a swift administrative crackdown.

"We have prepared a citizen complaint service that can be accessed 24 hours a day," said Dikky Anugrah, Head of the North Sumatra Provincial Development Planning, Research, and Development Agency, in Medan on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

He noted that while the program launched successfully last year, 2026 is dedicated to refinement. "All 15.3 million residents of North Sumatra are targeted to receive higher quality health insurance. Partner hospitals that do not meet service standards will be evaluated," said Dikky.

To enforce these standards, the North Sumatra Health Agency and Health Care Agency (BPJS) have established a joint declaration with 172 hospitals, 619 community health centers, and 510 clinics. A dedicated quality task force has already been dispatched to investigate the recent controversies.

Hamid Rijal, Secretary of the North Sumatra Health Agency, confirmed that teams have conducted on-site inspections, data requests, and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) audits at the hospitals involved in the viral cases.

The findings will lead to formal, tiered recommendations. "This means SP1, SP2, SP3 (warning letters), up to recommendations for the revocation of operational licenses, termination of BPJS cooperation, and accreditation permits," explained Hamid.

North Sumatra achieved "Priority UHC" status last year, hitting its target two years ahead of schedule. Current data shows 100 percent membership participation with an active participant rate of approximately 98.6 percent.

By addressing service gaps now, the administration aims to ensure that its record-breaking enrollment figures are matched by a reliable and empathetic healthcare delivery system. ***