Outcry as Doctors and Health Workers Mock BPJS Patients on Social Media

Various parties have condemned healthcare workers who posted unsympathetic comments about patients of the national health insurance scheme (BPJS Kesehatan) on social media. The incident began with a post on Threads by user @yurizaltrich on 22 July 2026, in which the patient complained of waiting eight hours without getting a hospital room. The patient declined to name the hospital, citing their BPJS registration. The post instead attracted numerous negative, cynical, and demeaning responses, some of which were traced by netizens to accounts belonging to healthcare workers and doctors. One account, @erudahaaradini, was identified as belonging to Elda Putri Rahardini, a doctor reportedly working at Dr Sardjito General Hospital. She later apologised and admitted her comment was inappropriate. The patient has since reportedly died, intensifying scrutiny of the case. Elda is a specialist trainee (PPDS) from the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) assigned to Dr Sardjito Hospital. Deputy Chairman of House Commission IX, Yahya Zaini, urged the Ministry of Health to impose sanctions or issue a stern warning to the health workers involved. ‘The Ministry of Health must issue a strong reprimand to health workers and medical personnel who lack empathy towards patients, especially BPJS patients,’ Yahya said on Wednesday (5/8). Commission IX member Irman Suryani also condemned the doctor who allegedly mocked the patient before their death and demanded the hospital impose firm sanctions. ‘I ask the hospital to sanction them and I will also convey this to the Ministry of Health so they can take over the follow-up,’ she said. Ministry of Health spokesperson Aji Muhawarman expressed regret over the comments, saying they appeared to lack empathy for patients and their families. He urged the public to report suspected ethical or professional violations by medical personnel to the Indonesian Health Council (KKI) for further action. The Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing at UGM stated it is investigating the alleged unsympathetic comments made by PPDS doctor Elda Putri Rahardini. Dean Yodi Mahendradhata said the faculty is conducting a thorough review and gathering facts from all relevant parties in accordance with operational procedures. Meanwhile, the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) said the doctor could face ethical sanctions. IDI Deputy Chair Wiweka said the case would be handled by the Medical Ethics Honour Council (MKEK), with potential sanctions ranging from light to severe depending on the council’s assessment.