UNAIR NEWS – The Faculty of Public Health (FKM), ¶«¾©ÈÈ (UNAIR), has once again achieved a remarkable milestone through one of its alumni. Prof Dr Wahyu Pudji Nugraheni SKM MKes, an alumna of the Faculty’s 1991 Bachelor of Public Health program, has officially been inaugurated as a Research Professor at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), specializing in Health Financing and Health Management.
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The achievement reflects Prof. Nugraheni’s long-standing commitment to advancing research in health service financing, health systems management, health insurance, and equitable access to healthcare in Indonesia. Her expertise plays a strategic role in supporting health development by emphasizing not only the availability of healthcare facilities and professionals but also a financing system that is fair, effective, efficient, and sustainable.
Research to strengthen the health system
Throughout her research career, Prof. Nugraheni has focused on a wide range of critical issues, including the implementation of the National Health Insurance (JKN) program, public access to healthcare services, regional health financing, household health expenditure, and financial protection for vulnerable populations.
These studies have contributed to evidence-based recommendations for the government to evaluate health policies and ensure more equitable access to healthcare services. Her research also highlights the challenges faced by communities in underdeveloped, remote, and border areas, as well as island regions that continue to experience limited healthcare facilities, shortages of medical personnel, and restricted access to health information.
Through her expertise in health financing and management, Prof. Nugraheni has contributed a wide range of policy recommendations. These include setting budget priorities, strengthening health program governance, and developing policies that address the needs of communities across different regions of Indonesia.
Supporting the SDGs
Prof. Nugraheni’ contributions also align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. Through her research on health insurance, healthcare financing, and equitable access to health services, her findings support efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) while ensuring that communities are protected from the financial risks associated with healthcare costs.
In addition, her research contributes to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by promoting more equitable access to healthcare services, SDG 1 (No Poverty) by strengthening financial protection for communities, SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) through evidence-based policymaking, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration among BRIN, universities, government institutions, and other stakeholders.
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An Inspiration for the Academic Community
Her appointment as a BRIN Research Professor demonstrates that ¶«¾©ÈÈ alumni are capable of making meaningful contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge and public policy. Prof. Nugraheni’ achievements also illustrate that research extends beyond producing scholarly publications. It serves as a foundation for strengthening the national health system and improving public well-being.
Her achievement is expected to inspire FKM UNAIR students and alumni to continue developing their competencies, produce impactful research, and contribute to addressing development challenges through innovation and scientific knowledge.
Author: Nikita Aulia
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
