Hospital fee

Hospital fee

From Surya

I would like to relate my unforgettable experience at a
private hospital in Surabaya ten years ago. I took my seriously
ill child to the nearest, well known hospital in south Surabaya.
To get my child hospitalized I had to pay Rp 60,000 (a lot of
money ten years ago). Despite my great shock at the high fee, and
desiring a speedy recovery for my child, I paid what the hospital
demanded.

A few days later I was told that this particular hospital was
notorious for its expensive tariff. I then began to wonder how I
could bear the cost of my child's medical treatment. My husband
decided to move our child to the Public Hospital (RSUD Dr.
Soetomo). I brought a certificate from the village chief stating
that we were not well-off so the hospital would reduce the cost
of medical care and allow my child to be moved to Karangmenjangan
Hospital.

But, after the doctor in charge had examined my child, he told
me that the child was almost well and that there was no need to
move to the above hospital. I was asked to pay the hospital bill
at the cashier.

Unfortunately, I was Rp 3,000 short and pleaded to be allowed
to take my baby home and pay the rest of the bill the following
day. I burst into tears when the cashier said, "No patient can be
taken home unless the bill is paid." I had my husband sell my
earrings to cover the rest of the hospital bill.

What about the social function of hospitals?

Name and address

withheld