Fikes students conduct research on occupational health business posts in three cities

Fikes, UIN News Online – The Occupational Health and Safety Study Forum, Faculty of Health Sciences (Fikes) UIN Jakarta recommends the local Health Office to strengthen cross-sectoral collaboration in optimizing health efforts through the Occupational Health Unit Post (UKK). The community health center (Puskesmas) can also motivate cadres, MSME actors, and community workers in these services.

The recommendation was conveyed by the Research Coordinator of the UIN Jakarta Public Health Student Forum Amirah Nur Hakim, Monday (11/15/2021). “We give advice to the Health Office, presumably to encourage cross-sectoral collaboration, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries because they know that more workers can be targeted by the UKK Post assisted by their Puskesmas,” she said.

In addition to improving the management of human resources, puskesmas are also asked to improve health services specifically for the working community, manage the provision of UKK Post facilities and conduct studies of their respective work areas.

Student Research Overview of Implementation of UKK Posts Assisted by Health Centers in DKI Jakarta, Tangerang City, and South Tangerang City found a number of findings. This is supported by primary data from in-depth interviews and observations and secondary data in the form of analysis of Pos UKK documents. The research was conducted throughout October-November 2021.

The research found that 100% UKK Posts were spread throughout the DKI Jakarta Regional Health Centers.. Central Jakarta 7 Puskesmas each have 1-2 UKK Posts per Puskesmas, West Jakarta 8 Puskesmas with 1-7 UKK Posts per Puskesmas, North Jakarta 6 Puskesmas with 1-5 UKK Posts per Puskesmas, South Jakarta 12 Puskesmas with 1-7 UKK Posts per Puskesmas, and East Jakarta 9 Puskesmas with 1-4 UKK Posts per Puskesmas.

In contrast to Jakarta, Tangerang City has 38 Puskesmas in 14 sub-districts, but only 74% of them have UKK Post. Meanwhile, in South Tangerang, there are 29 Puskesmas and 55% have UKK Post.

In terms of the activity of the UKK Post, the Puskesmas with the UKK Post showed varying levels of activity. In DKI Jakarta, the number of cadre participation is considered less active, integrated health service activities are also not active. However, in certain UKK Posts, the existence of rotating funds and reporting shows an active trend.

The diversity of activities of UKK Posts is also found in Tangerang City and South Tangerang. In contrast to the DKI Jakarta area, the number and participation of Pos UKK cadres are relatively active, as well as reporting once a month. It's just that infrastructure, the existence of rotating funds, and integrated health service activities are considered inactive.

In terms of the development of UKK Posts, the study found that regional UKK Posts only showed the Pratama level, not the Madya, Purnama, and Mandiri levels. This is supported by the frequency of counseling, the number of cadres, the use of PPE, and the Intervention Workshop which are determined by these trends.

Furthermore, the research held by Pos UKK found a number of problems. The highest was the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by asynchronous service schedules, guidelines for appointing UKK Posts, low and sufficient worker participation rates, and the presence of uncooperative cadres.

In addition to the research results, the Public Health Student Forum also held a Professional Occupational Safety and Health Seminar. The seminar is planned to last for six days by inviting a number of public health speakers.

The Dean of Fikes UIN Jakarta, Zilhadia, appreciated the activities held by the students. According to Zilhadia, this activity teaches students to be more involved in public health issues.

“As an educational institution, Fikes must be involved in public health action,” said Zilhadia. (usa/zm)