Hospital sued over child's death

JAKARTA: The hearing of a lawsuit filed against Harapan Kita Hospital began at the West Jakarta District Court on Monday. The hospital is being sued by the parents of Dhori Ariangi Rumondor, who died while being treated at the hospital in May 1999.

The lawsuit, which was filed on Monday, accuses several doctors and nurses at the hospital with neglecting Dhori, who was admitted to the hospital with a high fever.

"They brought their son to the hospital because they trusted it as a respected institution," said lawyers from the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute representing Munawarty and Zaenal Rumondor.

Dhori had already been seen by an outside doctor, who prescribed him medication. However, when his condition did not improve, his parents brought him to Harapan Kita.

The lawsuit alleges that doctors and nurses at the hospital ignored Dhori and failed to provide him adequate treatment.

Dhori died three days after being admitted to the hospital.

Presiding judge Chaidir of the West Jakarta District Court adjourned the trial for two weeks, at which time the court will hear from the defendants. -- JP