Highlighting the Death of Dr Icha, House Commission IX Stresses the Importance of Protecting Healthcare Workers

Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Irma Suryani Chaniago stated that the death of Dr Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, 28, known as Dr Icha, who allegedly died due to psychological pressure and intimidation from a member of the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), must be thoroughly investigated. She also stressed that the protection of healthcare workers is already regulated under Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health, so if a similar case occurs, healthcare workers can report it to the authorities or the Council’s Honour Court (MKD). “There is already an article that protects doctors. If the deceased truly died because of continuous intimidation, then the institution must conduct an investigation,” Irma said when contacted on Wednesday (1/7). She also urged the Ministry of Health to immediately investigate the case. “I also suggest that the Ministry of Health get involved so that similar incidents do not happen again,” she explained. Contacted separately, the Head of the Communication and Public Information Bureau, Aji Muhawarman, said that his party is still investigating the case of the late Dr Icha. “There is no update on the investigation yet,” he said briefly. The investigation into the death of Dr Icha is being conducted by the central government, regional government, Ministry of Home Affairs, police, health office, and the regional public hospital.