Legislator urges stronger protection for health workers following dr Icha case

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Edy Wuryanto, has expressed deep condolences over the death of Dr Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni (dr Icha) from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and urged better protection for health workers. Speaking in Jakarta on Sunday, Edy said the loss of dr Icha is a sorrow for Indonesia’s health sector and a reminder that protection for health workers involves not only physical safety but also psychological security while carrying out their professional duties. “Doctors, nurses, midwives, and all health workers operate based on scientific knowledge, professional standards, service standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and codes of ethics. Therefore, every health worker must be given the space to exercise medical judgement professionally without pressure, intimidation, or intervention that could affect the independence of patient care,” he said. “Good communication between health workers and patients’ families is crucial to avoid misunderstandings. When differences of opinion arise in healthcare delivery, resolution must prioritise dialogue, ethical mechanisms, and procedures set out in legislation,” Edy added. Edy explained that Article 273 Paragraph (1) of Law Number 17 of 2023 on Health guarantees that medical and health workers are entitled to legal protection, occupational safety and health protection, security protection, and treatment in accordance with human dignity while practising their profession. The legislator for the Central Java III electoral district also reminded that Health Law Number 17 of 2023 has established a mechanism for resolving alleged professional disciplinary violations through the Professional Disciplinary Council (MDP). Based on Article 306 in conjunction with Article 308 of the Health Law, the MDP is authorised to examine alleged professional disciplinary violations and issue disciplinary rulings as well as recommendations if there are suspected criminal or civil violations. “Every healthcare service issue should be pursued through the available legal and ethical mechanisms, not through actions that could potentially exert pressure on health workers,” he said. Edy also appreciated the swift action by the Ministry of Health, which is conducting an investigation together with stakeholders to ascertain the facts objectively, transparently, and accountably. According to him, such protection must not be limited to legal safeguards but must also include psychological support, easily accessible reporting systems, protection from all forms of violence or intimidation, and institutional support for health workers facing conflict while providing care. He expressed hope that the results of the police inquiry and the Ministry of Health investigation would provide clarity to the public while serving as a basis for strengthening the protection system for health workers in Indonesia. “We respect the investigation process being carried out by law enforcement and will not speculate on the cause of the deceased’s death. However, this incident must become a momentum to strengthen protection for health workers in carrying out their service duties to the community,” he said.