Yogyakarta launches heart patient community amid rising healthcare costs

RSUD Yogyakarta and the Yogyakarta City Government have launched the Heart Patient Community (Kompas Jantung) to foster solidarity among patients and increase awareness regarding heart disease prevention. The initiative aims to encourage healthy lifestyles, physical activity, and regular monitoring of blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol to mitigate the risks associated with heart conditions.

This community launch coincides with data showing that catastrophic diseases represent the largest burden on the National Health Insurance (JKN) budget in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY). In 2025, approximately Rp 1.8 trillion, or 34.09 percent of total healthcare service costs in DIY, was spent on treating these severe illnesses. Heart disease was identified as the highest contributor to these costs, accounting for Rp 694.5 billion. Other significant expenses included cancer (Rp 382.6 billion), kidney failure (Rp 169.9 billion), stroke, liver cirrhosis, thalassemia, and hemophilia. BPJS Kesehatan officials have urged participants to utilize health screening services and adopt preventive measures to reduce the financial and physical impact of these diseases.