Comparison of Readiness for Primary Health Services Integration (A Case Study in Two Public Health Centers in Sragen Regency)

Health Policy and Administration, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia

^* Corresponding anisaprilianda@gmail.com

Abstract

The Integration of Primary Health Care Services (IPHC) is an innovation by the Indonesian Ministry of Health to expand access and provide comprehensive, high-quality health services encompassing promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative aspects. Introduced in mid-2024, with full adoption targeted by the end of 2024, this policy poses several challenges for public health centres, including inadequate facilities, the absence of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and a lack of cadre assessments. This study aims to compare IPHC readiness at public health centres, auxiliary health centres, and integrated health posts in urban and rural PHC, specifically, Karangmalang and Gesi PHCs. The research used a qualitative method with a descriptive approach and data collection techniques through in-depth interviews at two public health centres in Sragen Regency from August to October 2024. Informants were selected using purposive sampling, comprising four main informants and five triangulation informants. The findings show that urban PHC excels in terms of equipment, regulations, and task distribution. Both urban and rural PHCs exhibit similar levels of stakeholder support for IPHC, yet both remain underprepared regarding target groups and community readiness. In conclusion, urban PHCs are better prepared for IPHC implementation compared to rural PHCs. Gesi PHC is advised to strengthen internal coordination, finalizing the SOP, and divide task allocation clearly among staff.