Overcoming Shortage of Pharmacists to Provide Pharmaceutical Services in Public Health Centers in Indonesia

Indonesia is facing shortage of pharmacist in public health centers (PHCs), therefore the local government and PHCs have to cope with this problem. This paper aimed to describe the pharmaceutical manpower availability in PHCs, the problems occurred and potential applied solutions. Data was taken from National Health Facility Research 201. Quantitative data related to pharmaceutical manpower in PHCs was analyzed descriptively based on regions. Supporting qualitative data through in-depth interviews with the health office staffs in Bogor and Bekasi and pharmacists in four PHCs were conducted and being analyzed using thematic analysis. It was found that Sulawesi had the highest percentage of PHCs having pharmacist (29.1%) while Eastern Indonesia 51.5% of PHCs didn't have any staff with pharmacy related educational background. The highest percentages of staff composition were pharmacy technician followed by nurse. The main problem was due to high workload with limited manpower available. The proposed solutions are recruitment of new pharmacists, but in case it is not possible then placing pharmacist in certain type of PHCs with urgent needs is a priority. Empowering pharmacy technician, all available trained staff and other resources such as on job students are other feasible choices.