The Manokwari government has been committed to improving Puskesmas’ quality in the region. These efforts were recently recognized when the Ombudsman awarded the Manokwari government for enhancing the quality of Puskesmas (community health centers) from medium to high levels.
This achievement places Manokwari 38th out of 415 cities in Indonesia. Musa Yosep Sombuk, Head of the Ombudsman for West Papua, presented the award to Hermus Indou, Regent of Manokwari, on Monday, February 13, 2023. This award demonstrates the local government’s hard work and commitment.
Manokwari has consistently ranked in the middle of the pack for healthcare quality over the past two years. But the latest accolade shows that the effort made under the leadership of the current regent and deputy regent has resulted in significant improvements in public services.
The Importance of Puskemas to Manokwari People
Improving the quality of health centers is critical to promoting the health and well-being of the community.
Puskesmas provide essential primary health care services, including preventive care, screening, and treatment for common illnesses. By improving the quality of health centers, the Manokwari government is ensuring that community members have access to quality health services.
The importance of the health centers to the Manokwari people can be seen in several ways:
1. Access to Health Care
Puskesmas are critical in providing community members access to essential health services. They are the first point of contact for many people seeking medical care and offer services to promote good health, prevent disease, and manage chronic conditions.
One of the most important services provided by Puskesmas is immunization. Vaccinations are essential in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting individuals from illness. This helps promote herd immunity and protects the community as a whole.
Puskesmas also provide preventive care services such as regular check-ups and screenings. Regular check-ups help detect health problems early, allowing for prompt treatment and better health outcomes. Screening tests can detect diseases before symptoms appear, increasing the chances of successful treatment.
2. Emergency Care
In cases where a person suffers a sudden illness or injury, Puskesmas can provide life-saving emergency medical services such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), oxygen administration, and bleeding control.
These services can make a significant difference in the outcome of a medical emergency. Quick access to medical care can mean the difference between life and death.
Puskesmas are particularly important in areas where hospitals are far away or inaccessible. In such cases, they provide essential emergency medical services and can stabilize patients before they are transferred to a hospital for further treatment.
Manokwari has endemic diseases like upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and malaria. Puskesmas play a critical role in the management and treatment of these diseases. They provide access to diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring, helping to prevent further spread and improve health outcomes.
3. Cost-Effective Care
One of the key benefits of Puskesmas is that they provide affordable healthcare services to community members regardless of their ability to pay. In many cases, Puskesmas provide discounted or free care to individuals who cannot afford it. This makes health care accessible to everyone in the community.
For many individuals and families, the cost of health care can be a significant financial burden. In addition, the inability to pay for medical care can prevent people from seeking necessary treatment.
Puskesmas, however, provide an alternative for individuals who cannot afford to pay for healthcare services. They offer various services, from preventive care to treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, at affordable or no cost.
Conclusion
Overall, Puskesmas is a critical component of the healthcare system in Manokwari because they provide affordable healthcare services to community members. By providing discounted or free care, Puskesmas make healthcare accessible to everyone in the community and promote good health outcomes.
In conclusion, the Manokwari government is committed to improving Puskesmas’ quality, and it is a commendable effort. The government’s investment in health services will undoubtedly benefit the community in the long run. It will promote better health outcomes and a higher quality of life for all community members.
