Baby's Hand Develops Hole in Suspected Malpractice Case; Makassar Hospital Responds
A nine-month-old baby with the initials ASA is suspected of being a victim of malpractice at RSIA Paramount Makassar, South Sulawesi. The infant’s hand became swollen and eventually developed a hole after receiving an intravenous drip at the hospital.
The baby was initially admitted to the emergency department on 19 January with complaints of high fever and vomiting, and an IV line was inserted into the left hand. The infusion was removed on the evening of 21 January owing to phlebitis.
Baby ASA reportedly developed a fever again on 22 January at 01:45 WITA, prompting medical staff to reinsert the IV line into the right hand, through which medication was successfully administered. However, by 03:00 WITA, the area around the IV needle had become swollen, again attributed to phlebitis.
According to the hospital, the hole in the baby’s hand developed after the patient was discharged on 25 January with the hand still swollen. The hospital stated it had provided guidance on managing the swelling through warm compresses during outpatient care.
The baby’s hand remained swollen until 4 February, at which point the hospital conducted an observation and prescribed antibiotics. When the swelling failed to subside, a doctor decided to perform a debridement procedure on 9 February, which resulted in the hole in the baby’s hand.
“Then on the 9th, the doctor decided on debridement — an incision. That is the photo that went viral, taken just after the incision showing the hole. That initial wound was right after the operation on the first day,” said Vian, the public relations officer of RSIA Paramount Makassar.
In response, the baby’s mother, Nurjannah, issued a formal legal notice (somasi) over the incident. Nurjannah confirmed she had sent the notice.
“Requesting clarification regarding the error that occurred. Demanding compensation for both material and non-material damages totalling Rp 500 million. Improving systems and procedures to prevent the error from recurring. I request a response to this legal notice within three times 24 hours from the date of dispatch,” the parents’ legal notice to RSIA Paramount Makassar read.
RSIA Paramount Makassar confirmed it received the legal notice from the baby’s parents on 11 February. The hospital’s director is said to have met with the victim’s family after the notice was issued.
“Regarding the legal notice, the Director has already met with the family. Management has responded. As for the Rp 500 million compensation demand, the Director did not indicate any willingness to pay that amount — there was no negotiation,” said Vian.
Vian added that the compensation demand of Rp 500 million was subsequently reduced by the victim’s representatives. The figure was progressively lowered to Rp 130 million, then Rp 70 million, and finally Rp 30 million.
“From their side, they asked for Rp 500 million, then it came down to Rp 130 million, then Rp 70 million, then Rp 30 million. The Director only committed to resolving the issue. That is all,” said Vian.
RSIA Paramount stated it is prepared to face the matter should the legal notice escalate to a formal police report, noting that an internal audit of the chronology of events has already been conducted.