World Health Day, John Riady: A Moment to Reflect on the Direction of Healthcare System Reform

JAKARTA, April 7, 2023 — The commemoration of World Health Day serves as a timely moment to reflect on the direction of healthcare system reform in Indonesia. The COVID-19 pandemic has offered valuable lessons and experiences to all stakeholders and communities across various sectors of society.

This was conveyed by John Riady, Executive Director of Lippo Group and President Commissioner of PT Siloam International Hospitals Tbk. (SILO). As is widely known, Lippo Group operates in the healthcare sector through its Siloam Hospitals network under SILO.

John stated that World Health Day can be embraced as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation at both national and global levels to reinforce healthcare systems. He emphasized that the pandemic has revealed how fragile healthcare infrastructures can be at all levels.

“In the end, the pandemic taught us the importance of mutual assistance and collaboration — without which, the global situation could have been far worse. World Health Day is a moment to realign our direction toward healthcare system improvement. Effective collaboration must be followed up with clear strategies and policies for reforming the sector,” said John.

World Health Day is observed annually on April 7, marking the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. This year’s theme, "Health for All", reflects WHO’s continued push for equitable access to healthcare worldwide.

Globally, collaboration among countries orchestrated by WHO proved instrumental in closing disparities and accelerating the production and distribution of vaccines. John affirmed that similar cooperation was seen at the national level in Indonesia.

“From multi-tiered government policies to swift actions taken by private healthcare providers such as hospitals, all parties worked hand in hand to manage the health crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic,” John noted.

John further pointed out that the Indonesian government has formulated key pillars to reform the national healthcare system. These pillars include: transformation of health resilience systems, healthcare financing, human resources, healthcare technology, referral services, and primary care services.

“It’s impossible for the government to move forward alone. Active participation from the private sector in implementing these pillars is crucial,” he emphasized.

Lippo’s Commitment

Lippo, which oversees SILO and also operates healthcare education programs through Pelita Harapan University (UPH), continues to support the national healthcare transformation agenda.

For example, in the area of healthcare financing, SILO is recognized as the largest private provider of BPJS Kesehatan (Indonesia’s national health insurance) services.

“We provide open and equal access to BPJS services for all patients, without discrimination,” John stressed.

He acknowledged that BPJS Kesehatan plays a critical role as the cornerstone of healthcare financing, with significant potential to expand its reach.

“SILO is firmly committed to supporting the government through BPJS Kesehatan,” he added.

Beyond that, Lippo remains dedicated to enhancing and expanding access to quality healthcare across Indonesia. This is being realized through various initiatives, including SILO’s expansion plans and efforts to strengthen healthcare education.

SILO aims to continue expanding its hospital network to ensure more equitable access to high-quality services. In 2023, SILO plans to build two to three new hospitals, following the successful completion of SILO Agora last year.

Currently, SILO operates 41 hospitals in 28 cities nationwide, equipped with internationally standardized medical equipment.

“We are expanding access to healthcare services for all communities — which is why we continue to invest without hesitation,” said John.

As part of Lippo Group, healthcare system development also starts upstream — in the field of medical education. To date, UPH has played a vital role in producing qualified medical professionals, especially specialist doctors.

“In line with the human resources transformation pillar, we are contributing to increasing the number of general and specialist doctors. Education in the health sector is essential for Indonesia’s long-term future,” John concluded. (*)