Legislator: Conduct Thorough Investigation into Death of Intern Doctor

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives’ Commission IX, Neng Eem Marhamah, has urged the Ministry of Health (MoH) to conduct a thorough investigation into the death of a doctor participating in an internship programme at the Kuala Tungkal Regional General Hospital in Jambi. “We extend our deepest condolences for the passing of Doctor Myta. This case must not end with mere expressions of sympathy. There must be a thorough investigation,” Neng Eem stated in Jakarta on Tuesday. According to her, the investigation is crucial, particularly given suspicions of work exploitation. Neng Eem supports the Ministry of Health’s step to dispatch an integrated investigation team, from the Inspectorate General to professional expert teams. However, she reminds that the probe should not focus solely on medical aspects but also on the governance of the internship programme and the support mechanisms for participants in the field. In line with the Ministry of Health’s statement, she calls for firm action, such as the temporary suspension of the internship programme if negligence or non-compliance with workload standards is proven. “The safety and health of young doctors must be the top priority. The internship programme must not become a place where lives are sacrificed due to neglect of participants’ health conditions,” she said. The legislator from West Java requests that this case of a young doctor’s death serve as the basis for a national evaluation of internship programmes in health facilities across Indonesia. According to her, internship participants must undergo health screenings before placement and regular monitoring of participants. “We urge the strengthening of the protection system for intern doctors to ensure such incidents do not recur in the future. The programme must not be used to recruit cheap labour that leads to covert exploitation,” she stated. Neng Eem requests that the Ministry of Health transparently release the results of the medical records audit and the collection of statements from colleagues to the public. This step aims to avoid widespread speculation. “We need a humane health workforce system. If a doctor tasked with safeguarding others’ lives cannot safeguard their own due to an exploitative work system, then there is something wrong with our health management,” she said.