Analysis of Clinical Preparedness in Facing Disasters: A Descriptive Study of 17 Clinics in Makassar City

Abstract

Background: Clinics are essential primary healthcare facilities for maintaining lifesaving and routine services during disasters. Preparedness assessment is necessary to identify the capacity and gaps of each facility. Objective: This study analyzed and compared disaster preparedness across 17 clinics. Methods: A quantitative descriptive observational study with a multisite cross-sectional design was conducted in May 2026. Data were obtained through direct observation, interviews, document review, and facility documentation. The instrument included 30 indicators across six domains: policy and management, human resources, infrastructure, logistics, communication, and services. Each indicator was scored from 0 to 2, yielding a maximum score of 60. Results: Mean preparedness was 83.43%, with a median of 88.33%, a standard deviation of 12.42%, and a range of 56.67% to 100%. Thirteen clinics (76.47%) were categorized as highly prepared and four (23.53%) as moderately prepared. Major gaps concerned emergency alarms, evacuation maps, drills, disaster-response teams, emergency procedures, triage, emergency areas, backup power, referral coordination, and mass-casualty management. Conclusion: Most clinics demonstrated high preparedness; however, operational readiness requires stronger infrastructure, standardized procedures, recurring training, and simulation exercises. Addressing these gaps may contribute to SDG 3 by supporting continuity of essential health services, SDG 11 by strengthening urban disaster resilience, and SDG 13 by improving institutional adaptive capacity for disaster-risk management.