JAYAPURA — The Papua Provincial Government is pushing to strengthen the healthcare workforce by preparing Jayapura Regional General Hospital (RSUD Jayapura) to become a hospital-based specialist doctor training center. This step is intended to address the need for specialist doctors in Papua.

Acting Director of RSUD Jayapura, Andreas Pekey, said that RSUD Jayapura is among more than 100 hospitals in Indonesia considered ready to run the program. This referral hospital is projected to open around five to six specialist doctor training programs.

"The priority programs will focus on the fields most needed in Papua, including obstetrics and gynecology as well as anesthesiology," he said on Monday (26/1).

He explained that the shortage of specialist doctors has directly affected healthcare services, especially in areas far from urban centers. A number of regional hospitals face service limitations due to the lack of specialist personnel.

The development of a hospital-based scheme is seen as a solution to accelerate the fulfillment of Papua's need for specialist medical personnel. RSUD Jayapura is currently still awaiting the official decree of designation from the Ministry of Health.

"Once the decree is issued, the final site visit will follow. The hospital-based specialist doctor training program will be opened after all stages are completed," Andreas said.

This step is expected to strengthen referral healthcare services in Papua while also supporting improvements in the quality of care for the public. ***