Former patient sues hospital

TANGERANG: The Tangerang District Court on Thursday commenced hearing a lawsuit filed by Leonardus against the management of Siloam Gleneagles Hospital in Lippo Karawaci, for allegedly making a wrong diagnosis and then detaining him in the hospital for two weeks in September 2004 because he couldn't pay the bills.

Lawyer Daance Yohanes from the Legal Aid Institute for Health told the court that his client, who is a driver, was admitted to Husada Insani Hospital after suffering shortness of breath in May. Pulmonary specialist Edy Surahman said that Leonardus had suffered a respiratory disturbance.

When he suffered another attack on Aug. 16, he was rushed to Siloam Gleneagles Hospital. A doctor there said that surgery was required to clear Leonardus' lungs and liver from the suppuration of an ulcer in his liver.

Leonardus was medically discharged from the hospital on Sept. 3, but because he could not pay the Rp 25 billion bill, hospital deputy director Mangantar Marpaung made him stay until the family paid the bill on Sept. 16.

"A misdiagnosis and the restriction on our client to go home caused the plaintiff losses totaling Rp 80 million," Daance said.

Hospital spokesperson Puspita Zorawar said that the family had agreed to pay the expenses, which had been discounted.

Presiding judge Suprapto adjourned the hearing until March 31 to hear arguments from the hospital's lawyers.--JP