The response of regional general hospitals in Indonesia to COVID-19

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to determine the influence of the role of hospital leaders, the COVID-19 budget and health service facilities at regional general hospitals (RSUDs) to Indonesia on hospital responses in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic, moderated by hospital class level.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was designed as quantitative research using partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test hypotheses.

Findings

Using a sample of 185 RSUDs, it was found that the role of hospital leaders, the COVID-19 budget and health service facilities in RSUDs had a positive and significant effect on the hospital's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings show that the role of hospital leaders, in this case, the RSUD director, is essential in improving health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 budget and health service facilities at RSUD can run effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic if the RSUD director issues appropriate policies during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

Originality/value

This study is the first to determine the influence of hospital leaders, the health budget for COVID-19 and hospital health service facilities simultaneously on the hospital's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study also provides empirical evidence regarding the idea of stewardship theory, which suggests the role of leaders in supervising organizations to achieve organizational goals effectively in times of crisis.

Citation

Hartaty, H. and Dianawati, W. (2024), "The response of regional general hospitals in Indonesia to COVID-19", International Journal of Health Governance, Vol. 29 No. 1, pp. 21-33. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHG-03-2023-0033