Health Agency Explains Incident of Woman Giving Birth in Tambora Health Centre Toilet
The West Jakarta Health Sub-agency has explained the chronology of a case involving a woman who gave birth alone in a toilet at the Tambora Community Health Centre (Puskesmas) in West Jakarta, and subsequently disposed of her baby in a rubbish bin.
Head of the West Jakarta Health Sub-agency, Sahruna, stated that the woman initially came to the Tambora Puskesmas seeking medical treatment. “She reportedly complained of a fever and stomach cramps. Not long after, a cleaning service officer went to the toilet and saw a lot of bloodstains and a baby’s body,” Sahruna said on Friday.
Still in shock, a woman then emerged with blood on her legs. “When the door was knocked on, a girl came out with blood on her legs. When questioned, the girl admitted to aborting her pregnancy, which was allegedly the result of a secret relationship with her boyfriend. The girl said she did not want her pregnancy to be known,” he explained.
Following the incident, the Tambora Puskesmas reported the case to the police. The woman was taken to Cengkareng Regional General Hospital for medical treatment.
Sahruna confirmed that there was no procedural error in the public health services at the Tambora Puskesmas. “It was not because there was no delivery room. No. It was because the person came wanting treatment for complaints of fever and stomach cramps,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Head of the West Jakarta PPAPP Sub-agency, Dian Anggraini Susanthy, stated that her office would provide services to the community, especially women and children, if they face cases of violence or other problems. “If they need assistance, the person concerned can come to us for counselling. We view this from the perspective of protecting the rights of children and women,” she said in response to the case.
She mentioned that her agency has family counselling services available for those facing family issues, aiming to provide assistance, mediation and protection, particularly for women and children. The case is currently being handled by the police.