Honorary doctor in Irian Jaya

Honorary doctor in Irian Jaya

From Kompas

The program of appointing honorary doctors in the regions has
been going on for three years. So far, nine groups have been
placed. I believe that the Health Department is monitoring the
results of the program. But as far as Irian Jaya is concerned,
the monitoring and evaluation system does not fully meet
expectations. Violations take place.

The first batch of doctors who passed the qualifying tests to
be appointed as regular civil servants have not received their
letters of decision from the department. They have to wait for
their papers and in the meantime they are not receiving their
salaries.

A conflict often takes place between the honorary doctors and
the local medical staff and chief of the medical service.
Apparently they are jealous of the honorary doctors because the
doctors get a higher salary. Perhaps the local doctors feel a
rivalry with the honorary doctors.

The honorary doctors' welfare, however, is far from
satisfactory. This may be because there are too many doctors
appointed in a region. When they have to give services in remote
places, often no transitory housing is available. So they are
forced to spend nights in hotels or share rooms in the hospital's
complex.

Name and address

withheld