Compassion-Based Charity Care as a Model for Health Equity: A Qualitative Case Study from a Tertiary Hospital in Indonesia

This study aims to explore the implementation of integrated medical services and social compassion in charity-based patient care at Tzu Chi Hospital Jakarta. The study focuses on healthcare practices that emphasize empathy, humanitarian values, and social support for patients from vulnerable populations. A qualitative approach with a case study design was employed. Data were collected through document analysis involving healthcare professionals and patients, observation, and followed by in-depth interviews with hospital management that provides charity-based care. The findings indicate that the integration of medical services and social compassion is realized through the provision of equal and non-discriminatory clinical care, empathetic communication, social assistance, and administrative as well as spiritual support for charity patients. This integrated approach enhances patients’ sense of safety, trust, and adherence to treatment. Moreover, compassion emerges as an institutional value and work culture that strengthens the professionalism and commitment of healthcare workers. This study provides insight that compassion-based healthcare offers a holistic and socially model of care in private hospitals. The integration of medical and social dimensions can improve the quality of healthcare services, improving equity and access to care for vulnerable groups in hospitals.