IDI Proposes 40-Hour Work Week for Intern Doctors After Recent Deaths

The Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) has proposed limiting the working hours of intern doctors to a maximum of 40 hours per week following a series of deaths among programme participants. IDI’s Deputy Chairperson, Wiweka, stated that the association has submitted 11 evaluation points to the Ministry of Health, emphasising that the recent fatalities cannot be attributed to a single factor, as some involved pre-existing health conditions. “We have proposed 11 points to the Ministry of Health. One of them is that the workload must comply with regulations and human rights, limited to a maximum of 40 hours per week,” Wiweka said on Tuesday (28/7).

Beyond limiting working hours, IDI is advocating for intern doctors to receive the same rights as regular workers, including sick leave, maternity leave, and menstrual leave. The association has also proposed shortening the internship programme from one year to six months, though Wiweka noted that the government has not yet approved this specific suggestion. “The Ministry of Health has accepted the proposals, except for the six-month duration, which is still pending and will be applied after the current moratorium,” he explained.

Despite ongoing evaluations, recent deaths have continued to occur, including cases involving intern doctors in Lampung and at an apartment in Kalibata, South Jakarta. Wiweka stressed that the internship programme remains a mandatory requirement for all medical graduates under Law Number 17 of 2023 on Health. To prevent further tragedies, IDI is pushing for stricter field supervision by involving local IDI branches in monitoring and evaluation to quickly identify and mitigate problems. The association also recommends comprehensive medical check-ups for prospective interns, including blood tests, drug tests, and screenings for sexually transmitted and chronic diseases, to ensure they are physically and mentally fit for the new work environment.

The most recent incident involved a doctor, identified as SZM, who died after falling from the 18th floor of an apartment in Pancoran, South Jakarta, on Sunday (26/7). Police reported that the victim had locked the door from the inside after refusing an invitation from her mother to visit a mall. Her body was evacuated to the Police Hospital in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta.