‘Aisyiyah in Ngawi Helps 156 Couples to Register for the government’s National Health Insurance Program

According to Hj. Sutjiatim M.Pd, Chairperson of the ‘Aisyiyah Regional Board, as a result of their advocacy program, ‘Aisyiyah have assisted 156 PUS couples (married couples of child bearing age) to register for the government’s National Health Insurance for the Poor Program (JKN-PBI) whereby the government covers payment of insurance premiums. The program covers couples in  two Sub-districts, namely Kedunggalar comprising the villages of Kawu and Gemarang, and Sine comprising the village of Kauman.

As part of their advocacy efforts, ‘Aisyiyah had disseminated information about the JKN-PBI program to all surrounding communities, through the grassroots women’s groups known as Balai Sakinah Aisyiyah (BSA) supported by MAMPU. Understanding the importance of having health insurance is emphasized at every BSA women’s meeting, along with providing information on how to register, the preparation of documents, interviews, and payment procedure (if their premiums are not paid by the government through the JKN PBI program).

To raise awareness in the community on the importance of  registering for government provided health insurance ‘Aisyiyah strengthens cooperation and partnerships with key actors and stakeholders, both within the government and community organisations.

The achievement in registering those 156 married couples, according Sutjiatim, can be attributed to the hard work of ‘Aisyiyah’s staff and cadre in assisting then through the whole process −from preparation of the necessary documents, to the submission of the applications to the Health, Social Affairs, and Community Welfare Offices and the Hospital.

‘Aisysiyah also assists applicants during the interviews at the BPJS Office in Ngawi. The process runs relatively smoothly through ‘Aisyiyah’s close working relationship with the Health Office.

“Considering the amount of challenges and obstacles faced in raising awareness and understanding about the importance of JKN membership, our assistance becomes critical.   Changing the mindset of the people needs to be done gradually,” said Sutjiatim.