The Training on Gender Equality/Women’s Empowerment in Anti-Corruption Efforts in the Health Sector, with the support of USAID CEGAH in Medan (July 2017), have provided participants with the knowledge and awareness of the concept of gender equality and the implementation of intervention to achieve women’s empowerment, particularly in corruption prevention efforts. Attended by 7 local government institutions and 5 NGOs, this training is a rich source of information on and experiences in anti-corruption prevention from various sectors, namely health, environment, governance, and women’s empowerment.

The participants followed up on anti-corruption efforts by making a network for collaboration and partnership. The network for the training alumni is established using a Whatsapp platform called Anak Medan Anti Korupsi (AMAK) or Medan People Against Corruption. This network extensively discusses the practices of government institutions across sectors. One of the issues that are largely discussed by the institutions that are part of the network is health issues, as this issue is a main concern for many of the institutions that are members of the network. During a discussion on BPJS Health (the state health insurance system) concerning the effectiveness of health services in relation to corruption practices, for instance, the discussion was initiated by Ibu Rita, the Head of Hospital Health Promotion of H. Adam Malik General Hospital of Medan. The discussions are lively and the other institutions would actively respond, thus pushing for innovative solutions and ideas from each institution involved to together solve problems related to the health sector and health services, including maternal health. This initiative can be implemented in joint advocacy plans to prevent corruption and improve the effectiveness of BPJS Health.

Through this multi-sectoral collaboration, this network is beneficial for the H. Adam Malik General Hospital of Medan to improve their health services. A partnership strategy with the basis of fighting corruption becomes a strong basis for each institution to be involved. Ultimately, this collaboration is a powerful opportunity and capital to enhance the people’s health.