Daftar Sbmptn – Limited access to healthcare services in remote areas has once again come under scrutiny after a number of residents in various remote areas voiced strong calls for the government to accelerate the distribution of medical facilities. This situation is further exacerbated by the long distance to healthcare centers, the lack of medical personnel, and inadequate supporting infrastructure. These complaints emerged after several emergency cases could not be handled quickly due to the lack of basic facilities in remote villages.
In many mountainous areas, residents still have to travel for hours to obtain basic healthcare services. Some even have to cross rivers, navigate slippery dirt paths, or hire special vehicles because roads are impassable for regular vehicles. This situation increases safety risks, especially for pregnant women, the elderly, and patients with emergency conditions.
Amaruddin, a resident of remote South Sulawesi, revealed that his family once experienced serious difficulties because the sub-district health center (Pustu) in his area lacked permanent medical personnel. He was forced to take a critically ill family member to the sub-district center, a journey of more than two hours. “We have no choice. At the Community Health Center (Pustu), there’s only one volunteer who can’t make medical decisions. We hope the government sees this reality and acts more quickly,” he said.
Similar problems also occur in several regions of East Nusa Tenggara and Papua, where health infrastructure is considered far behind. The lack of health facilities not only impacts disease management efforts but also prevention programs such as immunization and public health education. Many children don’t receive complete immunizations due to distance and difficult access, increasing the potential for infectious disease outbreaks.
Local health organizations and humanitarian volunteers believe this problem has been going on for a long time, but a comprehensive solution has yet to be found. They believe that equitable distribution of health facilities cannot be achieved simply by building Community Health Centers (Puskesmas) or Community Health Centers (Pustu). What is needed is professional health workers, adequate transportation access, a stable supply of medicines, and community training in first aid.
One public health activist, Lina Pratiwi, said the government needs to implement a specific strategy for underdeveloped areas. “We can’t equate development approaches between urban and rural areas. In cities, the problem is long queues for services, while in remote villages, the problem is the lack of services at all,” she said.
The Ministry of Health itself has stated that equitable distribution of healthcare facilities is a focus of its medium-term development plan. Programs to strengthen primary care, increase the distribution of medical personnel, and digitize services are government priorities. However, this process is acknowledged to take time, particularly regarding the distribution of doctors and nurses to difficult-to-access areas. Many medical personnel are reluctant to be placed in remote areas due to limited supporting facilities, security, and communication access.
To address this, the government is reviewing additional incentives for medical personnel willing to be placed in 3T (underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost) areas. These incentives include special allowances, adequate housing, and guaranteed career advancement. Several regions have also begun implementing a flying doctor system, where doctors travel to remote areas using special transportation on a set schedule. While this program is helpful, it does not yet cover all remote areas.
Meanwhile, the use of digital health technology, such as telemedicine, is one solution that is beginning to be expanded. Through telemedicine, residents can consult with doctors without having to travel long distances. However, limited internet access in many villages is a major obstacle. Local governments are being asked to accelerate internet network strengthening so that health technology can be utilized optimally.
Amid these challenges, rural residents hope the government will be more serious about prioritizing equitable distribution of basic health services. They believe that health is not just a need, but a basic right that must be guaranteed equally. “We’re not demanding luxurious facilities; just medical personnel, ambulance access, and adequate medication are enough. That’s already very helpful,” said Rosminah, a resident of rural West Kalimantan.
Public policy observers believe that equitable distribution of health services should not be merely an annual discourse. It requires cross-sectoral coordination, from health and infrastructure to communications and transportation. Building health facilities without adequate roads will make services ineffective. Similarly, procuring medical personnel without technological and logistical support will hinder service delivery.
Going forward, the central government and regional governments are expected to develop a more detailed and measurable roadmap, including timeframes and regular evaluation mechanisms. This is crucial so that resolving healthcare access issues in rural areas does not rely solely on annual projects but becomes a sustainable strategic program.
With growing public pressure and increasing attention from various parties, the hope for rural communities to receive adequate healthcare services is now greater. However, major challenges still lie ahead, and only with concrete steps and consistent commitment can equitable health services truly be realized.