Improving Palliative Care in Indonesia: Bridging Coverage Gaps and Integrating Spirituality for Comprehensive Healthcare

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) was implemented in Indonesia in 2014 to ensure healthcare access for all citizens. However, the provision of palliative care remains insufficient, despite its essential role in the holistic treatment of terminally ill patients, who often face significant financial obstacles. The impracticality of charging for spiritual care during palliative treatment, alongside the financial burden of home care on patients, is noteworthy. Addressing this gap, Panti Rapih Hospital Yogyakarta has proactively incorporated palliative care into its long-standing 94-year faith-based nonprofit institution embedded within longstanding religious traditions . This study utilizes an observational analytic methodology to explore the most effective model of palliative care within the context of Indonesia’s primary healthcare system, a nation characterized by its six major religions. The main objective is to identify optimal strategies for screening palliative patients, delivering effective nursing care, and offering religious support tailored to family needs. The findings underscore the critical importance of non-out-of-pocket support in Indonesia’s UHC framework for enhancing palliative care. Furthermore, integrating spirituality notably enhances the effectiveness and delivery of palliative services . In sum, Indonesia urgently requires comprehensive support for palliative care within the UHC framework, which involves removing financial barriers and recognizing spirituality’s vital contribution to effective, holistic care. Implementing these initiatives will facilitate Indonesia’s progress toward universal access to high-quality palliative care for all patients in need.