Editor’s Note
- Many residents of North Sumatra seek medical treatment abroad, hospitals are urged to be competitive
- Hospitals in North Sumatra must be competitive
- Hospitals may not refuse patients due to cost
- PERSI ready to make the Universal Health Insurance (UHC) program a success
Many residents of North Sumatra seek medical treatment abroad, hospitals are urged to be competitive
Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution of North Sumatra has called on all hospitals in North Sumatra, including those affiliated with the Indonesian Hospital Association (PERSI), to work together to address the significant challenges facing the healthcare sector, particularly the high number of Indonesians seeking medical treatment abroad.
“Every year, more than 7 trillion rupiah in government funds flow from North Sumatra abroad for medical expenses,” Governor Bobby Nasution stated during his attendance at the official opening of the hospital seminar and workshop organized by PERSI North Sumatra. The event, themed “Creating a Reliable and Sustainable Hospital Ecosystem,” took place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the Santika Premiere Dyandra Ballroom in Medan.
Hospitals in North Sumatra Must Be Competitive
“This is about competition. Hospitals in North Sumatra must improve their governance to regain public trust. We want hospitals to offer additional services so that patients feel calm and comfortable from the moment they arrive. That’s the most important thing,” emphasized Bobby Nasution.
Bobby explained that North Sumatra’s geographical location, close to neighboring countries, poses a unique challenge for hospitals in the region.
Therefore, the North Sumatra Provincial Government (Pemprov) continues to support the development of the Special Economic Zone (KEK) for Healthcare, so that North Sumatra not only becomes the first choice for local residents but also attracts international patients seeking treatment in Medan and the surrounding area.
Hospitals may not turn away patients based on cost
In response to the much-discussed issue surrounding the revocation of Premium Assistance Recipient (PBI) status, Bobby has instructed that hospitals may no longer turn away patients based on cost.
“Health programs are a priority for the North Sumatra Provincial Government. I trust that people who come to the hospital will receive good treatment. Services must continue to improve to increase our Human Development Index (HDI),” he added.
Meanwhile, PERSI Chairman Bambang Wibowo encouraged hospitals to utilize the latest technologies to improve quality and patient safety. He also emphasized the importance of environmental awareness, including efforts to reduce carbon emissions in hospital environments.
“Hospitals are not just commercial enterprises, but also human institutions. We encourage hospitals to collaborate with the government and ensure that no patient is turned away due to cost,” Bambang said.
PERSI Poised for Success in the Universal Health Care (UHC) Program
Persi North Sumatra Chairman Syaiful Munawar Sitompul echoed this sentiment and emphasized the importance of using artificial intelligence (AI) in medical record systems and hospital management.
He emphasized that PERSI stands ready to be a strategic partner with the government in successfully implementing the Universal Health Care (UHC) program.
This series of activities also included the two-day Medan Hospital Expo. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Governor Bobby Nasution of North Sumatra and his entourage inspected various booths showcasing the latest healthcare technologies. ***rel
