Parliament Urges Investigation Following Death of Intern Doctor

Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Netty Prasetiyani Aher, has conveyed deep condolences over the deaths of several doctors participating in the internship programme in recent times. This incident has become a collective concern and is seen as an opportunity for a thorough evaluation of the implementation of the internship programme in Indonesia. “This is not merely a calamity, but can be interpreted as a signal of systemic problems that must be addressed immediately. Young doctors must not become victims of an imperfect system,” Netty stated on Tuesday, 5 May 2026. In recent months, there have been reports of the deaths of four intern doctors in various regions. This situation underscores the need for greater attention to the programme’s implementation, including aspects of learning, supervision, and support for participants. Netty highlighted the unclear status of internship participants, who are positioned between students and healthcare workers. “This condition impacts the weakness of rights protection, including regarding working hours, health insurance, and welfare certainty,” she said. She emphasised that strengthening programme governance is crucial, encompassing clear systems, working hour regulations, and health support, so that the learning process can run optimally. Additionally, she stressed the importance of adequate field supervision systems. The internship programme is expected to remain a constructive learning space with sufficient supervision. “Many reports show high workloads, even exceeding limits, and minimal supervision. This poses risks not only to young doctors but also to patient safety,” she asserted. Netty also highlighted the importance of safe monitoring and reporting systems. She noted that many internship participants are reluctant to report suboptimal working conditions. “Therefore, we urge the government, particularly the Ministry of Health, to take concrete steps immediately. These include conducting a national evaluation of all internship venues, strengthening supervision systems, and ensuring a safe and independent complaint mechanism,” she explained. As a follow-up step, she encouraged the formation of a team to comprehensively review various aspects to strengthen the programme’s quality in the future. “The safety of doctors is part of patient safety. We must not turn a blind eye. This is the moment for total improvement,” she concluded.