Current status of health workers and factors affecting human resources at primary medical stations in Cao Bang province, 2021

Abstract

A cross - sectional, integrated qualitative and quantitative study was performed to describe the status of health workers at primary medical stations in Cao Bang province in the year 2021 and factors affecting human resources. Data was collected by using self-administered questionnaires, secondary data, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. The main variables included the number of staff, majors, and education level. Data were compared with the criteria on human resources at the grassroots level in mountainous areas which was issued by the Ministry of Health. It was 17.12 ± 9.2 health staff/10.000 inhabitants. Lack of staff at the commune level: On average, only 4.45 health staff per commune and only 58.3% of commune health stations have enough staff. 100% of commune health stations have assistant doctors, all other positions have not been adequate. Factors affecting human resources at the commune level include Policy implementation of human resources by the local authorities, policy on salary, allowance by the government, medical equipment and health facilities, and workload at community health stations. In conclusion, lack of human resources for health who are working at the commune level of Cao Bang province, both in quantity and number per each position. The health sector in Cao Bang province may need to implement policy advocacy to increase the target of human resources for health. On the other hand, increasing allowance, strengthening medical equipment/ health facilities, and reducing administrative staff may encourage staff to work at the commune level.