Dessy Sagita – A number of organizations have urged the House of Representatives to revise the draft of a health care bill it has been debating since 2002 to ensure money is set aside for public health programs.

Ratna Kusumaningsih, a researcher with Indonesia Corruption Watch, told the Jakarta Globe on Sunday that the draft would set aside 5 percent of the total state budget for public health, but does not otherwise clearly outline how the money would be used.

She said portions of the health budget should be specifically set aside for preventative health care and other key components, because the unnecessary procurement of expensive equipment and bureaucracy costs could easily eat up the 5 percent allocation.

Ratna Batara Munti, coordinator of the Pro-Women National Legislative Program Network, said the bill should also clearly spell out that health care was a basic right for all Indonesians. "Our people should not pay for their health insurance because it is the government's responsibility," she said.

Munti also said the bill should stipulate that free medical services for low-income residents should include programs to prevent diseases, not only emergency health care. She said a statement would be presented to the House's Commission IX, which handles health and welfare issues.

Rustam Effendi, a lawmaker from the National Mandate Party (PAN) who is also a member of the commission, said the draft of the health bill had not been finalized and changes were likely.

"I really appreciate people criticizing the draft and urging for some parts of it to be revised. We still have some time to alter parts of the draft," he said.

Rustam said the bill would be discussed several more times before it could officially pass out of committee. "As long as the input helps to create a better health care system, we will gladly consider it."