RI builds 20 new hospitals, upgrades 66 facilities to boost healthcare

Beyond constructing new facilities, the ministry has launched a sweeping modernization of existing infrastructure, upgrading 66 regional general hospitals (RSUD) from Class D to Class C status across various provinces. "To date, we have upgraded the classification of 66 hospitals in the regions from Class D to Class C to maximize healthcare services in those areas," the ministry's Director of Clinical Services Obrin Parulian said in his statement on Tuesday. This classification upgrade, according to him, is designed to equip district-level hospitals with the specialist capabilities required to treat critical, life-threatening conditions locally. "Our hope is that with the support of the ministry by upgrading hospitals, chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, kidney disease, and maternal and child health services can be treated in districts, without having to be sent to Jakarta or other regions with large hospitals," he remarked. He further emphasized that the Health Ministry is not only assisting with physical infrastructure development, such as hospital buildings, but is also addressing the critical need for supporting medical facilities and equipment. "Hospitals do not just need doctors; we also support healthcare facilities. We also have the Sihren program to strengthen referral services in the regions," Parulian said. The Sihren program, short for Strengthening Indonesia's Healthcare Referral Network, is a strategic initiative launched by the ministry aimed at modernizing and optimizing the national medical referral system. It helps ensure that regional hospitals are seamlessly integrated with diagnostic equipment, medical supplies, and specialist staff to optimize patient care outside of major metropolitan hubs. Related news: Govt hospital upgrade program potentially creates 33,000 jobs: Bakom Related news: President Prabowo's 66-hospital project targets 22 openings by April Translator: Yudhi Efendi, Yashinta Difa Editor: Arie Novarina Copyright © ANTARA 2026