IDI NTT Highlights High Risks of Snake Antivenom at Doctor's Funeral
The Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) has reiterated that the late Dr. Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, known as Dr. Icha, carried out her duties in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOP) when treating a young patient bitten by a snake. The administration of snake antivenom cannot be done carelessly. “This drug carries a risk of severe side effects, even death, if given without clear clinical indications,” said IDI NTT representative Ronald Louk during Dr. Icha’s funeral in Kupang on Monday. “Everything Dr. Icha did while treating the snakebite patient followed the applicable SOPs and was in line with the medical knowledge we learn in education. So there was no malpractice.”
He explained that snake antivenom is only administered if the patient exhibits systemic symptoms. Due to this caution, Dr. Icha consulted with Dr. Tri Maharani, Indonesia’s only specialist in snakebite toxicology, while handling the case. “The serum can be described as a double-edged sword; it can be a cure and it can endanger the patient who receives it,” Ronald clarified. Beyond medical factors, logistical constraints are also strict. The serum is not stored at hospitals but is held by the regional health office. “The budget for snake antivenom is not small for the entire Indonesian region, and it is not available in hospitals. To obtain the serum from the Health Office, doctors must have strong clinical reasons,” he added.
Dr. Icha was pronounced dead on Friday, 26 June. She was suspected of suffering from severe depression after allegedly being intimidated by members of the TTU Regional House of Representatives, leading her to take her own life by hanging. The incident believed to have triggered the pressure occurred while she was on duty at the Emergency Department of Leona Kefamenanu Hospital, treating a child bitten by a green snake. During the treatment, two men claiming to be TTU DPRD members, later identified as Therensius Lazakar and Norbertus Tubani, arrived at the emergency room and reportedly spoke harshly to Dr. Icha. The patient was later revealed to be Therensius Lazakar’s nephew.