Padang's Dokter Warga Programme: Home-Based Healthcare for Chronic Patients

Lubuk Begalung Health Centre is enhancing its home-based healthcare services through the Dokter Warga Programme. This initiative is one of Padang City Government’s flagship programmes designed specifically to reach residents with severe or chronic illnesses who face difficulties accessing healthcare facilities. The programme serves as a concrete solution for physically limited citizens, particularly those unable to visit the health centre due to deteriorating health or chronic conditions. Lubuk Begalung Health Centre Head Sari Ramadhani explained that the Dokter Warga service targets patients with specific conditions, such as stroke survivors or bedridden individuals unable to move independently. Through this service, healthcare workers no longer wait for patients to come; instead, they visit residents’ homes to ensure timely and appropriate medical intervention. ‘Health centre staff directly visit residents with a team comprising doctors, nurses, and other paramedics, along with ambulance drivers. We head straight to the location whenever there’s a call from the public,’ said Sari Ramadhani on Saturday (23 May). Medical teams conduct thorough examinations at patients’ homes. If intensive care is needed, patients are promptly referred to health centres or hospitals using ambulances equipped with oxygen tanks and emergency supplies. This mobile healthcare approach is deemed crucial, as not all residents have the physical ability or adequate transport access. Public response has been highly positive, with six residents in Lubuk Begalung Health Centre’s area utilising the service this month, including those from Koto Baru Subdistrict. To facilitate access, the health centre distributes leaflets and provides a 24/7 call centre number. ‘Residents or family members can contact the customer service line at 0852-6309-7595. Upon receiving a report, the Dokter Warga team and ambulance will promptly prepare and head to the patient’s location,’ Sari explained. Through the Dokter Warga Programme, Padang City Government is committed to bringing healthcare directly to the community, ensuring equitable, responsive, and humane access for vulnerable groups.