RESOURCE CAPACITY FOR PRIMARY HEALTHCARE SERVICE INTEGRATION IN JENEPONTO REGENCY, INDONESIA

Abstract

Primary healthcare service integration represents a critical strategy for improving healthcare accessibility, quality, and efficiency, particularly in resource-constrained settings. This study examines the resource capacity challenges and opportunities in implementing Integrated Primary Services (ILP) in Jeneponto Regency, Indonesia, where only 4 out of 20 primary healthcare centers have successfully implemented the program. Using a qualitative case study approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with 27 stakeholders selected through purposive sampling, including government officials, healthcare facility managers, medical personnel, and community representatives. Data were collected through interviews, field observations, and document analysis, then analyzed using thematic analysis with NVivo software. Our findings reveal four critical resource capacity pillars affecting ILP implementation: human resources, information technology, infrastructure, and budget. Human resource challenges include staff shortages, uneven distribution, limited training opportunities, and excessive workloads. Information technology capacity is hindered by poor internet connectivity, inadequate hardware, and insufficient technical support. Infrastructure limitations encompass basic facility shortages, digital infrastructure gaps, and inadequate community-level facilities. Budget constraints involve the absence of dedicated ILP funding, rigid financial management procedures, and insufficient operational resources. The study identifies multi-sectoral collaboration, capacity building programs, infrastructure development, and sustainable financing mechanisms as essential strategies for successful ILP implementation. These findings contribute to understanding resource capacity requirements for primary healthcare integration in developing countries and provide practical recommendations for policymakers and healthcare managers seeking to strengthen primary healthcare systems through integrated service delivery models.