IDI: Burnout No Excuse for Unsympathetic Comments to Patients

The Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) has stated that burnout is not an excuse for healthcare workers and medical personnel to behave poorly towards patients, responding to allegations of unsympathetic comments on social media from health workers to a BPJS Kesehatan patient. Wiweka, Deputy Chairperson of the IDI Executive Board, said in Jakarta on Thursday that under Article 21 of the Indonesian Medical Code of Ethics (KODEKI), doctors must maintain their physical and mental health, including guarding against the risk of burnout. “Maybe he was exhausted or something, but in the realm or implementation of health services or his professional practice, he must be able to prioritise ethics. That is not justified,” he said. He stated that being a healthcare worker and medical professional means upholding ethics towards patients, especially as healthcare services relate to people’s lives. Doctors, he said, do not promise results, but promise the best possible actions. Wiweka mentioned that his party has coordinated with the Medical Ethics Honour Council (MKEK) for clarification, in response to the identification of 10 healthcare workers and medical professionals suspected of posting the unsympathetic comments. After that, he said, guidance will be provided. Regarding sanctions, Wiweka said that sanctions are given according to the depth of the investigation. If the behaviour is heavily indicative of ethical violations, an ethics hearing will be held. “The sanctions are also in accordance with the gradation of the alleged violation. But our concept remains guidance, because ethics need to be fostered, drilled repeatedly so that it becomes a culture,” he said. The Indonesian Health Council stated that it has identified 10 healthcare workers and medical professionals suspected of posting unsympathetic comments on social media about a deceased National Health Insurance (JKN) participant, and will conduct further investigation. KKI leadership member Dr. Mohammad Syahril said the investigation will be carried out with professional organisations, educational institutions, health facilities, and local governments to determine the type of violation, whether it is an ethical, professional disciplinary, or legal violation. Along with the investigation, he said, there is potential for more healthcare workers and medical professionals to be identified who allegedly posted unsympathetic comments about the deceased JKN participant Yusrizal Tri Chaerawan.