Health Ministry Investigation Finds Doctor Icha's Actions Were Procedural
The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has conducted an investigation into the case of alleged intimidation against Doctor Eliza Princita Utami Pakaenoni, known as Doctor Icha, by members of the Timor Tengah Utara (TTU) Regional House of Representatives (DPRD). The case, which led to the doctor’s death, has drawn widespread public attention.
Director General of Health Human Resources at the Ministry of Health, Yuli Farianti, stated that the investigation focused on three main areas. The first focus was the alleged verbal abuse and intimidation experienced by Doctor Icha while treating a patient at the Emergency Department (IGD) of Leona Hospital in Kefamenanu, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
Yuli, however, declined to disclose the detailed findings of the investigation, noting that the case is now being handled by the police and the ministry must respect the ongoing legal process.
She explained that the investigation found the actions taken by medical and health personnel in treating the patient were in accordance with procedures. Yuli stated that all treatment for the snakebite wound carried out by both Kefamenanu Regional Hospital and Leona Hospital followed the correct procedures.
Yuli clarified that the administration of anti-snake venom serum (SABU) must be based on indications and standard operating procedures (SOP). Administering the serum without proper indication could endanger the patient’s safety.
‘Not everyone bitten by a snake is immediately given SABU. There are stages and criteria for who should receive it. If it is given when not indicated, it could actually endanger the patient,’ Yuli said.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health found a lack of coordination between the hospital, the health office, and the local government regarding the supervision and protection of medical and health workers. This was evident as there was no intervention when a health worker faced intimidation.
‘At a time when medical and health workers needed protection, needed to be embraced, and needed immediate intervention, this did not happen,’ Yuli stated.
She explained that the protection of health workers is clearly regulated in the Health Law, specifically Article 273 of Law Number 17 of 2023, which states that medical and health workers are entitled to protection from treatment that is inconsistent with human dignity, morality, decency, and socio-cultural values.