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The Ministry Of Health Speeds Up The Provision Of Screening And Diagnostic Tools In Community Health Centers

The Ministry of Health is working to speed up the supply of medical equipment to support the transformation of primary healthcare services. This effort is focused on primary healthcare facilities, especially community health centers (Puskesmas). Dr. Maria Endang Sumiwi, the Director General of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, stated that the need for medical equipment in Puskesmas still needs improvement, particularly for early detection and health screening. This aligns with the role of Puskesmas in maintaining public health. "The medical equipment needed in Puskesmas that should be increased includes screening support tools like ultrasound (USG), electrocardiography (EKG), hematology analyzers, chemistry analyzers, and dental chairs," Maria Endang said in Jakarta on Tuesday (November 26). "Additionally, diagnostic equipment and follow-up tools, such as urine analyzers, PoCT HbA1C, and Molecular Rapid Test (TCM) devices, are not yet available in all Puskesmas."

Maria Endang also mentioned that one strategy to support health transformation through the first pillar of primary healthcare service transformation is to enhance the capacity and capability of primary healthcare services by revitalizing networks and standardizing services in Puskesmas, Puskesmas Pembantu (Pustu), and Posyandu. The improvement of primary healthcare capacity is also being carried out through home visits in the Strengthening of Primary Health Care (SOPHI) project. "The SOPHI project aims to address gaps in the primary healthcare system caused by the preventive functions of primary healthcare, especially at the lowest service levels, limited referral healthcare services, and the availability of services with inadequate quality in various regions," Maria Endang added.

"This project focuses on primary care, which is expected to help reduce healthcare costs related to disease treatment.  The focus is on cost-effective preventive and curative actions to reduce the social and economic burden related to extra care needed for preventable diseases.

According to Director General Maria Endang, support from the SOPHI project is expected to meet the health equipment needs in community health centers, auxiliary health centers, and integrated health posts. This support is also anticipated to enhance the capacity of medical personnel in utilizing health equipment for better health services.

"The Ministry of Health will provide a set of equipment starting from 2024 to 2028 in 10,234 community health centers, 25,826 auxiliary health centers, and 304,420 integrated health posts. For the first batch, 6,236 community health centers in 382 districts/cities across 35 provinces will receive support," she explained.

"Additionally, the supply of health reagents or consumable medical supplies will also be covered by the Special Allocation Fund (DAK) for Non-Physical needs."

Service According to Life Cycle

Community health centers are now adopting a new approach to health service delivery. Previously, patients visiting community health centers were treated based on their diseases or specific programs. With the introduction of the Integrated Primary Services program, health services at community health centers are no longer program-based but are organized into clusters according to the life cycle.

"Community health centers are divided into five clusters, staffed with health personnel who have the necessary competencies and authority for their respective clusters. This clustering system allows for the management of each life cycle target to be handled collectively, providing more comprehensive and integrated services," said Director General Maria Endang Sumiwi.

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