Indonesian perspectives in a healthcare focus group discussion on initiating health checkups for returning migrant workers: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVES: Indonesian migrant workers face significant occupational health risks abroad, yet Indonesia currently lacks a comprehensive, continuous post-employment health-monitoring framework, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment of work-related diseases for returning migrant workers. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of Indonesian healthcare stakeholders regarding the necessity, feasibility, and strategic steps of implementing Japan's Overseas Health Checkup Initiative (OHCI) for returning migrant workers. METHODS: A qualitative phenomenology study was conducted using focus group discussions to explore participants' perceptions and expectations of implementing OHCI in their workplace. Five discussion groups were composed to reflect perceived variations in attitudes to OHCI, with consideration to account differences in professional and educational background, geographical setting, and class of health facility. The discussions were conducted either in hospital meeting rooms or via an online platform. Each session was facilitated by a moderator and supported by a note-taker. For in-person sessions, participants were seated in a round-table arrangement to encourage open discussion and interaction. RESULTS: Findings demonstrated a strong consensus among all stakeholders on the urgent need to implement the OHCI to safeguard returning migrant workers' health. Key challenges identified included establishing a standardized cross-border data-sharing mechanism, defining clear OHCI protocols, and securing financial sustainability. The OHCI is viewed as a critical policy intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Successful initiation of the OHCI in Indonesia requires immediate collaboration between sectors to establish the necessary regulatory, technical, and financial frameworks, potentially by adapting international models of continuous health surveillance.