Malpractice at hospital

Malpractice at hospital

From Kompas

I often accompany family or friends to Dr. Soetomo Public
Hospital in Surabaya, East Java. Since the hospital is owned by
the government, it is assumed the costs will be lower than at
private hospitals. However, it turns out the state-owned hospital
is a "mafia nest" that must be eradicated in this era of reform.

Corruption, collusion and nepotism rage unchecked in the
hospital. Doctors and paramedical clerks often send patients to
private laboratories, particularly one on Jl. Darmawangsa. The
doctors and paramedical clerks used to give patients an
unofficial receipt, and the money then went directly to the
doctor concerned through the cashier in charge, for a dreadfully
high amount.

The doctors often prescribe seemingly unnecessary medicines
and rarely use generic medicines. They prescribe medicines
produced by pharmaceutical companies that "sponsor" him. A
patient who needs a surgery and does not want to wait must pay
extra money to certain medical staff. Or the doctor will ask the
patient to undergo surgery at a private hospital.

I appeal to the community to fight against these practices at
the hospital. The authorities are expected to tackle this
problem, because the conduct of the medical staff at the
hospital is inhumane.

HJ. I. KHOLIFA

Bojonegoro, East Java