IDI Highlights Doctor's Death Allegedly Due to DPRD Member Intimidation: Doctors Are Human, Can Also Suffer Depression
The Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) has expressed deep concern over the death of a doctor in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), who reportedly took her own life following alleged intimidation by three members of the Timor Tengah Utara (TTU) Regency DPRD. The doctor, identified as Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenomi, known as Dr Icha, was allegedly intimidated while treating a patient.
IDI Chairman Slamet Budiarto offered his condolences and strongly condemned any acts of intimidation against doctors, particularly in the case of Dr Icha. IDI is cooperating with the Ministry of Health to investigate the incident thoroughly. “Today, the Indonesian Medical Association together with the Ministry of Health is conducting an investigation. We need to ascertain whether intimidation truly occurred. If it is proven, we utterly condemn it, especially that a respected member of the DPRD could enter the emergency room and verbally abuse or intimidate a doctor,” Slamet stated on tvOne’s Kabar Petang programme.
He emphasised the human aspect of the profession, noting that doctors are susceptible to mental health pressures. “Doctors are human, they can also suffer from depression and fear. This led to the individual’s death by suicide. This is deeply concerning to us, and once again, we strongly condemn this incident,” he added.
Slamet noted that such cases of intimidation against doctors, whether by officials or patients, occur frequently. This has prompted IDI to closely monitor the investigation into Dr Icha’s death. The association is urging the Ministry of Health to not only thoroughly investigate this incident but also to issue new regulations to guarantee the safety of doctors. “I believe the Ministry of Health must create truly rigid rules, especially for emergency rooms and treatment rooms where a doctor is conducting an examination,” he said.
He explained that doctors on duty in the emergency department, like Dr Icha, operate according to standard operating procedures and a conscience-driven commitment to saving patients. However, intervention from a patient’s family can cause stress, ultimately affecting a doctor’s performance.