RSCM pledges to boost its shattered image<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Tough times lay ahead for the city's oldest
\nhospital, Cipto Mangunkusumo, which celebrates its 78th
\nanniversary tomorrow.<\/p>\n
Better known by its local acronym, RSCM, the state-owned
\nhospital has been the target of severe public criticism and is
\ncurrently besieged by financial problems.<\/p>\n
Director H.M. Ahmad Djojosugito admitted that the hospital's
\nservice was still poor but pledged to make improvements despite
\nthe fund shortages.<\/p>\n
\"This is the consequence of being a public service
\ninstitution, especially the center of reference for other
\nhospitals.\"<\/p>\n
Ahmad said the hospital has an annual budget of Rp 47 billion
\n(US$13.7 million), which includes paying for doctors and medical
\nstaff and putting aside about Rp 1.5 billion for the poor.<\/p>\n
\"Our annual earnings may only be between Rp 10 billion and Rp
\n17 billion.\"<\/p>\n
Loss<\/p>\n
On average, the hospital \"loses\" about Rp 5 million per day in
\nprescriptions for medication and treatment of low-income
\npatients, which comprise 85 percent of the total patients --
\nabout 22,489 people per month -- he said.<\/p>\n
The number of patients who left the hospital without paying
\ntheir bills had jumped significantly this year, Ahmad said but
\nrefused to give further details.<\/p>\n
\"The number of patients evading payment here increased this
\nyear, adding another dimension to our problems.\"<\/p>\n
Ahmad explained that RSCM must accept any patient who has been
\nrefused treatment by other hospitals for medical and economic
\nreasons.<\/p>\n
\"Even if there's no room for the patients, we should accept
\nthem and, if necessary, give them first-aid treatment as soon as
\npossible.\"<\/p>\n
Located on a 11,810-square-meter plot of land, the four-story
\nhospital has a total room space of 131,871 square meters to
\naccommodate 1,300 beds.<\/p>\n
There are 2,278 doctors and professors working at the
\nhospital.<\/p>\n
The public have frequently criticized RSCM for its poor
\nmanagement and undisciplined staff.<\/p>\n
Critics say nobody queues and paying extra money is the only
\nway patients can ensure better service.<\/p>\n
Bribery<\/p>\n
Ahmad admitted that some of the hospital's 6,026 staff had, at
\ntimes, accepted bribes from patients or their relatives, who
\nwanted to ensure they got better services.<\/p>\n
\"The collecting of bribes from patients mostly happened in the
\nemergency unit,\" he said, adding that the perpetrators knew who
\nto extort money from.<\/p>\n
\"The emergency unit patients or their relatives are the
\nquickest to panic and they want immediate action, that's why they
\ndon't hesitate to accept any offer or promise at any price.\"<\/p>\n
The hospital also has a bad image for its discriminatory
\ntreatment of better-off and less fortunate patients but Ahmad
\ndefended his staff's behavior.<\/p>\n
\"Some patients with limited education often find it difficult
\nto fill in the administrative clearance forms and they ask the
\nstaff to complete them, which is not their job.\"<\/p>\n
\"I therefore can understand if my staff get upset if they have
\nto face similar problems every day.\"<\/p>\n
Ahmad said the presence of medical students at the hospital,
\nwhich is also a training center, has fueled cynicism about the
\nhospital's quality of service.<\/p>\n
Trying to improve its image and service and looking for ways
\nto improve funding are the goals of Ahmad and his staff during
\nthe hospital's anniversary year.<\/p>\n
\"It's not an easy job but we'll try,\" he said. (04)<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/rscm-pledges-to-boost-its-shattered-image-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }