High Awareness but Persistent Barriers to Fulfilling Health Workers’ Rights through Comprehensive Periodic Health Check-Ups

Abstract

Regular health check‑ups (Medical Check-Ups/MCUs) are essential for human resources (HR) working in Public Health Centers (Puskesmas), including medical personnel, health workers, and health support staff. Ensuring the health of these workers is not only fundamental to maintaining the quality of health services but also represents the fulfilment of every citizen’s right to health. Routine employee health assessments enable health workers to perform their duties optimally while minimizing occupational risks inherent in clinical and community-based settings. The purpose of this study is to explore health workers’ perspectives on the fulfilment of their health rights while working, and to identify barriers to implementing periodic health check‑ups for health workers at Community Health Centers. This observational study employed a descriptive qualitative design and was conducted at Community Health Centers in Banggai Regency from May to October 2025. The study population consisted of health workers representing various professional categories at each participating health center, with a total of 75 respondents. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and structured questionnaires. Thematic analysis was used to interpret qualitative findings, while primary data on the implementation and perceived barriers to regular health check‑ups were obtained through questionnaire responses. From 13 questionnaire items assessing health workers’ perspectives on comprehensive regular health check‑ups, 11 items received “agree” or “strongly agree” responses from more than 80% of participants. Most respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed with statements suggesting that comprehensive regular check‑ups should be limited only to individuals who are already ill or to those aged over 40 years. These findings indicate a strong awareness among health workers regarding the importance of routine health assessments, regardless of age or current health status. In conclusion, the majority of respondents demonstrated a clear understanding of their right to regular health check‑ups. This reflects a high level of concern among health workers regarding their health and well-being, particularly in relation to occupational risks. Strengthening policies and institutional support for periodic MCUs is therefore crucial to ensuring a healthy workforce and sustaining high-quality health service delivery.

Keywords: comprehensive periodical health check-up; health worker; human right