Distribution and engagement of specialist doctors in public hospitals in Indonesia

Background Unequal distribution of specialist doctors in Indonesia has been identified many years ago. Government has taken several measures to address this issue. However the phenomenon is still present today. In the year 2014, Indonesia will apply universal health coverage which needs specialist doctors to support it. The failure to provide specialist doctors would increase inequity, particularly for those who live in islands, border, and remote areas. On the other hand, specialist doctors who are appointed by public hospitals as full-time doctors, do a dual practice. They spend more time in other institutions rather than in public hospitals. This study aimed to examine the association among demographic factors, number of hospitals, type of hospitals with distribution of specialist doctors, and to measure the level of engagement of specialist doctors in the public hospitals as their main designation.