The Generalist MD – The Sleeping Giant

Healthtechsolutions – Currently, the total number of The Generalist MD as of November 15, 2019 (KKI version) is 141,236, while Specialist Doctors are 40,042 people. An extraordinary comparison, isn’t it? The difference is more than 100 thousand!

This is a fact. However, it is also clear that the fate of most of the (General) Doctors is much less prosperous than the Specialist Doctors. Especially in an era like this where Specialist Doctors also experienced a tremendous decline in their professional income. Moreover, Doctor (General) right?

Whereas the Generalist M Dcolleagues are the spearhead of health services in this Republic. They are the ones who are mobilized to all corners of the country to provide primary health services, by getting very small salaries/incentives for professional work.

This is a very unfair and dangerous thing for health services in our country. Because without strengthening the primary health care sector, any program designed and implemented by the Government (read: Ministry of Health) will not be optimal, let alone the maximum. Instead, you will be trapped in a circling program without meaningful progress and appear to only spend your budget.

The simple question is whether secondary and tertiary health services by specialist doctors will run well and smoothly without the participation and assistance of a doctor (general)? The answer is emphatic and definite, no!

It is “nonsense” to strengthen primary health care if there is no strengthening of the ability of doctors (general) through government funding and accompanied by the provision of decent and standardized services. Some time ago the Indonesia Doctors Association (PDIB) had made a “pooling” in which the average incentive/income for doctors (General) that was feasible was around Rp. 15-20 million.

Therefore, it is a big homework for the Government (read: Ministry of Health) to create a training program and increase the competence of Doctors (General) with full funding from the Government. It is true, it is funded by the Government, instead of being asked for a “registration fee” which is very burdensome for the (General) doctor’s colleagues.

If the new Minister of Health wants to strengthen primary care, the first step is to strengthen the Medical and Health Workforce Resources in all types and lines of first-level health facilities. Provide comprehensive training (don’t just be picky about health facilities or picky people) for all medical and health workers at the expense of the Government. Do it in clear steps so that the coverage is measurable. Then provide incentives or services that are appropriate to their professional work (minimum Rp. 15-20 million). This is a fair program.

Let’s wake up the “Giants” that are the Doctors (General). Wake them up by giving them what is worth giving them. Don’t just “Giant” wake up because “rampaging” demands his rights after years of carrying out all his professional obligations, but is marginalized and underestimated or seems just “squeezed” their energy and sweat. If that happens, then the storm and disaster will cover health services in Indonesia. Don’t let this happen! Prevent it!

About Healthtechsolution Conference

HTS Conference is a premier platform for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the healthcare sector. The conference will provide unlimited opportunities to interact with prominent key decision-makers and industry leaders in the industry and greatly expand your global network.

The conference session will address various challenges in Indonesia’s healthcare sector, provide essential best practice updates and technology solutions and discuss opportunities for investment across Indonesia’s rapidly expanding healthcare sector.