Health Sector Preparedness During the Eid-al-Fitr Homecoming Across Indonesia in 2017

Abstract

Introduction:Indonesia’s road traffic fatality rate stands at 15.3 per 100,000 people, compared to 17 in the Southeast Asia region. Traffic fatalities are predicted to increase by 50%, becoming the third leading contributor to the global burden of disease by 2020. Indonesian police reported that 575 people died and 2,742 road accidents occurred during Eid-al-Fitr 2015. The problem is increasing rapidly in Indonesia, particularly during Ramadan. Policy makers need to recognize this growing problem as a public health crisis to prevent mass casualty incidents.Aim:To assess the health system preparedness with regard to road traffic accidents during 2017 Eid-al-Fitr homecoming in West Java, Central Java, East Java, and Lampung.Methods:The project started with an interview and observation followed by stakeholder analysis to assess the level of preparedness. This qualitative and quantitative research was conducted one month prior to Eid-al-Fitr homecoming 2017. The instruments were evaluated for policy, organization, communication, procedure, contingency plan, logistics, facility and human resources, financing, monitoring, evaluation, coordination, and socialization.Results:The levels of preparedness were moderate (B) for West Java, East Java, and Lampung, but high (A) for Central Java. Levels of preparedness based on district health office indicators were high for coordination, but low for a contingency plan. Levels of preparedness based on hospitals and primary health care were high for logistics and human resources, but low for a contingency plan and financing.Discussion:The findings indicated a moderate level (B) of health sector preparedness. Benchmark information from this research will provide information for further training in contingency planning, particularly for the district health office.