Child-friendly health services in an Indonesian village

My name is Deni, a 17 year old high school student from Cianjur, Indonesia. I am the youngest of three children in a middle class family. My parents are farmers and during the Covid19 pandemic we faced some challenges. My hobbies are writing and reading poems and I want to share my story and experience in accessing health care in my village.

I live in a village that is surrounded by rice fields and far from the city center. In my village, the healthcare facility is very accessible. I live around 15 minutes walking distance from the facility. Whenever I need a health check-up, I go there either using my bike, walking, or via the public transportation. The health centre used to be very small, but now it improved and was awarded as a “Puskesmas Layak Anak”, or child-friendly health center.

This health center is one of the best health centers since we can access many services. The services there are satisfactory, and the staff are very friendly, always provide the necessary guidance for registration and admission. However, waiting times before accessing the services are not ideal, especially due to limited working hours during the pandemic.

One day, I went to the health centre to get a blood test that is required by my new school. I used my BPJS (national health care card) to get free services. At first, I thought they would reject the card, but then I was granted to use BPJS card. I felt justice. BPJS national health care card card helps us not to worry about our healthcare access because we will be granted equal rights. I also went to the facility by myself although I am still a child, and the staff provided equal and friendly services to me.