Report from Tribunnews.com Journalist, Vincentius Jyestha
TRIBUNNEWS.COM, JAKARTA – Minister of Health (Menkes) Budi Gunadi Sadikin revealed that the number of community visits to puskesmas during the pandemic decreased drastically.
“There has been a drastic decrease in visits to health facilities. Especially to primary or first-level health facilities,” said Budi, in a working meeting with Commission IX of the Indonesian Parliament, Wednesday (17/3/2021).
Budi said the data on the decline referred to the results of research by the Health Research and Development Agency (R & D) of the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) for the 2014-2020 period.
From these data, it was explained that 83.6 percent of puskesmas experienced a decrease in patient visits.
The decline in immunization coverage has also decreased, with 56.9 percent of puskesmas recorded experiencing this. In addition, 43 percent of puskesmas have eliminated Posyandu services.
“Because there are indeed concerns related to pandemic Covid-19 this. Frankly, it is also quite worrying, because this immunization will greatly determine the health of our children in the future, “said Budi.
Budi also said that during the pandemic, only 68.7 percent of puskesmas had visited the Stunting Toddler Home. That number was reduced by about 32 percent from the previous visit pandemic Covid-19.
The Puskesmas that made visits to the homes of pregnant women was recorded to have decreased by 30 percent. Budi said 28 percent of puskesmas also opened services that were not the same as before pandemic Covid-19.
Furthermore, Budi said the existing data made the Ministry of Health try to improve health services at puskesmas during the pandemic period.
In order for the public to feel safe while visiting, Budi emphasized that the implementation of health protocols must be prioritized. In addition, it is also important to optimize the capacity of health workers in first-level health facilities.
“So how can basic health services be delivered during a pandemic, but with a new health protocol that makes both those who are served and those who serve them feel comfortable in providing health services,” said Budi.
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