USU Public Relations – Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) once again demonstrates its role as a driving force for innovation in the healthcare sector through its involvement in the Launching of UHC Probis Sumut Berkah, held at Grha Bhineka Perkasa Jaya on Monday (September 29, 2025). USU’s participation extended beyond that of an observer—it acted as a strategic partner in preparing future healthcare professionals who fully understand the principles of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Beyond expanding healthcare coverage, the launch marks a significant moment as it highlights the active contribution of higher education institutions in shaping healthcare personnel with a comprehensive understanding of the UHC framework.
USU Secretary, Prof. Dr. dr. Muhammad Fidel Ganis Siregar, M.Ked(OG), Sp.O.G, Subsp.F.E.R., emphasized USU’s strategic role in ensuring that medical graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges of modern healthcare systems.
“UHC is not merely about clinical matters—it also concerns health equity, financing, and service systems. For this reason, the UHC concept has been integrated into the curricula of medicine, pharmacy, public health, and other related fields at USU,” he stated.
Prof. Fidel further explained that USU’s mission goes beyond educating future doctors and nurses—it also aims to cultivate researchers and innovators capable of providing health policy recommendations at both local and national levels. Through its teaching hospitals and affiliated networks, USU serves as a model for the practical implementation of UHC, encompassing promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative healthcare programs.
Meanwhile, Governor of North Sumatra, M. Bobby Afif Nasution, in his address, emphasized that UHC must be understood as a real guarantee of healthcare services for the people. He reminded that the program should not become a mere administrative formality but must deliver tangible benefits to all segments of society.
“There should be no excuses for full hospital rooms or limited quotas. Every resident of North Sumatra who needs healthcare services must be properly served,” he asserted.
Head of the North Sumatra Provincial Health Office, H. Muhammad Faisal Hasrimy, reported that as of September 1, 2025, participation in the Indonesian Health Insurance (JKI) program in North Sumatra had reached 100.2%, with an activity rate of 80.27%. These figures make North Sumatra one of the provinces that has successfully achieved UHC Priority status ahead of the national target.
The launch also served as a cross-sector collaboration platform. In addition to local government representatives, David Bangun, Director of Membership at BPJS Kesehatan, expressed full support for the digitalization of healthcare services through an integrated dashboard and mobile JKI application. These innovations are expected to further simplify public access to health information and services across the province.