Cost of circumcision

On Nov. 24, 1996, I had my newly born son circumcised at Pondok Indah Hospital. I imagined the charges would be approximately Rp 250,000.

I was shocked on leaving the hospital to find the doctor concerned had charged Rp 750,000. In my opinion, this is an extortionate price. The doctor explained that the hospital decided the charges, while the hospital explained it was the doctor who decided the charges, which were up to the maximum allowed by the hospital for a minor operation.

After about two-and-a-half hours, the doctor finally offered a small discount, which I refused. I suggest the hospital should institute a code of conduct whereby doctors advise patients when charges will be above Rp 250,000. I advise readers to ensure they know all costs before they undergo any treatment at Pondok Indah Hospital. I cannot imagine what price they would charge if emergency treatment was required.

RINA H.

Tangerang, West Java