Regional government concerns in health services in remote areas: Case study on special capitation policies in North Bengkulu Regency

The Minister of Health Regulation No. 52 of 2016 states that the tariff for first-level health services in remote areas and islands is determined based on special capitation tariffs, which is greater than the usual capitation tariffs. In North Bengkulu there is a primary health care that does not include a special capitation even though the criteria are the same as the primary health care that received it. The perception of stakeholders involved is needed to see whether the determination of criteria for disadvantaged areas for recipients of special capitation funds is in accordance with existing regulations or not. The study was based on in-depth interviews with 6 respondents from 6 institutions (Local Government, Regional Secretary, Health Office, the BPJS health branch office, and two Primary health care). The local government does not help question that matter to BPJS or help in other ways so that health care that do not receive special capitation funds can still provide optimal services like other remote health care. This study found the lack of socialization about health services in remote areas to non-health officials in local governments is the causes of weak support by local governments. This research shows that the application of central policies without joint review and verification with local stakeholders can lead to unproductive situations. Local governments should also look for solutions so that health care in remote areas that do not receive special capitation funds continue to run optimally.