IDI: Doctor Icha's Actions While Treating Snakebite Patient Were in Accordance with SOP

The Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) has confirmed that the late Dr. Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, or Dr. Icha, performed her duties in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOP) when treating a young patient who had been bitten by a snake. IDI stated that the administration of snake antivenom cannot be done carelessly. “This medicine carries the risk of severe side effects, and can even lead to death if given without clear clinical indications,” said IDI NTT representative Ronald Louk while attending Icha’s funeral in Kupang. “Everything Dr. Icha did while serving the snakebite patient followed all applicable medical SOPs and was in line with the knowledge we learn in medical education. So there was no malpractice,” he continued. He explained that snake antivenom is only administered if the patient shows systemic symptoms. According to Ronald, due to this caution, Dr. Icha also consulted with Dr. Tri Maharani while treating the patient. She is the only venomous snake toxicology specialist in Indonesia. “The serum can be considered a double-edged sword; it can be a medicine and it can endanger a patient who is given the serum (antivenom),” Ronald clarified. In addition to medical factors, Ronald added, logistical factors are also strict. The serum is not stored in hospitals, but rather is held by the health office in each region.