Doctors criticize Beddu's arrest

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) accused the National Police on Wednesday of ignoring medical ethics by sending its own team of doctors to examine the health of former State Logistics Agency (Bulog) head Beddu Amang despite notification from his own doctor that he was ill.

Chairman of the Medical Ethics Honorary Board (MKEK) Broto Wasisto said a 24-day rest period recommended by Beddu's doctor, Slamet Suyono, was legitimate.

"Doctors have the authority to issue statements on their clients health," said Broto.

Broto insisted that if the police doubted a medical opinion, they should ask independent doctors to verify it.

The Police sent a medical team last week to confirm Beddu's state of health. Later, doctors from the Soekanto Police Hospital in East Jakarta declared Beddu fit for questioning.

Beddu has been named a suspect in connection with the alleged misuse of Bulog funds allocated for livestock subsidies in 1997. He is now under police custody. -- JP