Cancer Treatment Costs Reach Rp13 Trillion, Minister of Health: The Role of Private Insurance Is Crucial

Insurance (Doc. Ist)

Printable.biz.id - Cancer Cases in Indonesia Continue to Rise, Becoming a Major Challenge in the Health Sector

Indonesia is facing a growing cancer crisis, posing a significant challenge to the healthcare sector. Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized the crucial role of insurance, both National Health Insurance (JKN) and private insurance, in supporting cancer treatment funding.

According to data from the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), approximately 6.3 million patients have been treated in hospitals with a cancer diagnosis, all utilizing JKN services. During a discussion organized by PT Tugu Reasuransi Indonesia (Tugure) on Wednesday (February 26, 2025), the Head of the Health Financing Center at Kemenkes, Ahmad Irsan A Moeis, revealed that JKN has allocated Rp13 trillion for cancer treatment.

"Referring to Kemenkes data, at least 6.3 million patients have been admitted to hospitals with a cancer diagnosis. That number only includes those using JKN," said Budi in a statement delivered by Ahmad Irsan A Moeis during the discussion on "The Critical Role of Private Insurance in Personalized Cancer Care Coverage," held by PT Tugu Reasuransi Indonesia (Tugure) on Wednesday (February 26, 2025).

Data from the Global Cancer Observatory (Globocan) showed that in 2022, Indonesia recorded 408,661 new cancer cases, with 242,099 deaths. If effective preventive measures are not implemented, this figure is projected to increase by 63% by 2040.

One of the major challenges is late diagnosis. Two out of three new cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, which requires more complex and expensive treatments, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

The Role of Private Insurance in Cancer Treatment

Tugure President Director, Teguh Budiman, highlighted that the limited coverage of JKN and late diagnoses remain significant obstacles in cancer treatment in Indonesia.

"Although the BPJS Health program has helped many people, cancer cases continue to rise. The wide range of therapies needed, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy, makes private insurance increasingly important in expanding patients' access to more effective treatment," Teguh explained.

He also stated that the insurance industry must take a more active role in creating a sustainable financing system for cancer patients. This includes evaluating regulations and developing financing mechanisms that better support cancer management.

Collaboration to Address Cancer Challenges

Managing Director of PT Merck Sharp & Dohme Indonesia (MSD Indonesia), George Stylianou, stressed the importance of equal access to cancer screening and treatment for all individuals.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Tugure Academy, Eko Susanto, added that Tugure remains committed to enhancing knowledge and preparedness in the insurance industry to address healthcare financing challenges, particularly in cancer treatment.

"Tugure Academy will continue to organize competency development programs for insurance industry players to better navigate the evolving healthcare financing landscape, including cancer treatment," he concluded.