Indonesian Healthcare Reform: Streamlining BPJS Referral System

New Regulation to Improve Healthcare Efficiency

The Indonesian government is implementing significant changes to the BPJS Kesehatan referral system through a new Ministry of Health regulation (Permenkes 16/2024). The reform will allow direct referrals to higher-capacity hospitals based on medical needs rather than following the current hierarchical system ²

Industry Response and Preparedness

Private healthcare providers like PT Medikaloka Hermina Tbk (HEAL) are preparing to adapt to the new system. Hermina's management has confirmed that they are ensuring their facilities and human resources are ready to meet the new competency standards required by the reformed referral system ¹

Key Features of the New System

1. Competency-based referrals: Hospitals will be chosen based on their capability to handle specific medical conditions rather than their hierarchical level
2. Streamlined process: Patients in critical conditions, such as those needing organ transplants, can be directly referred to Type A or B hospitals without going through lower-tier facilities ¹
   Source 1

   https://nasional.kontan.co.id/news/permenkes-digodok-bpjs-kesehatan-permudah-rujukan-layanan-tanpa-faskes-tingkat-i
   ²
   Source 2

   https://industri.kontan.co.id/news/pemerintah-pangkas-rujukan-bpjs-hermina-heal-geber-kesiapan-faskes-dan-sdm
3. Implementation timeline: The new regulation will be fully effective by November 2025 ³
   Source 3

   https://nasional.kontan.co.id/news/transformasi-layanan-kesehatan-permenkes-162024-untungkan-pasien

Impact on Healthcare Services

The reform is expected to have several positive impacts:

• Faster treatment for patients with critical conditions
• Reduced administrative burden on healthcare facilities
• Improved patient satisfaction through more efficient service