RSCM Expert Team Examining Students Poisoned by Free Nutritious Meal Program; Test Results Expected in Two Days
The Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, has revealed updates regarding the examination of two students from Karo Regency, North Sumatra, who are victims of suspected poisoning from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. The students are currently being treated at RSCM in Jakarta. Budi stated that a team of experts has been deployed to examine their condition.
Budi explained that the patients were initially treated by a team from Adam Malik Hospital. This decision was made after the Ministry of Health consulted with RSCM and Harapan Kita Hospital. “Regarding the incident in Karo, once we became aware of the issue, we consulted with RSCM and Harapan Kita to immediately engage Adam Malik Hospital to investigate the specifics of the incident,” Budi said following a meeting with Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR) in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday (14/09/2026).
“The Adam Malik team has met with the patients. They have examined the patients and have taken the necessary actions to provide treatment,” he added.
However, he noted that as the case went viral, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka requested that the poisoned students be transferred to RSCM. “Why? Because it was observed that RSCM possesses a much more comprehensive range of medical expertise compared to Adam Malik Hospital,” he explained.
Budi stated that a team of experts has been mobilised to examine the students’ condition, consisting of doctors with various specialisations. “What does the examination involve? I have assembled an RSCM team in accordance with the Vice President’s instructions. Firstly, we have paediatric specialists,” said Budi.
“Secondly, because this involves the nervous system, we have also called upon a professor who is an expert in paediatric neurology. This concerns the children’s nerves,” he continued.
The examination also involves child psychiatrists. Furthermore, the Head of the Pediatric College has been called in to oversee the patient’s condition holistically. “Since there is a psychological aspect involved, we have brought in a professor specialising in child psychiatry. Fourthly, we have also called the Head of the Pediatric College to review the overall situation,” he explained.
Additionally, Budi noted that internal medicine specialists are involved. He stated that these doctors have already commenced their work. “We have also called specialists in paediatrics who understand internal medicine, as we are concerned there may be other underlying issues we are unaware of,” he said.
“They are already working. The results should be available very soon. I do not wish to speculate, as it is better to let the experts provide the answers,” he added.
He admitted that he has not yet received an update regarding the examination results. Budi chose not to speculate on the patients’ conditions, leaving the explanation to the expert team. “Regarding the findings from Adam Malik, I do not know why the diagnostic results have not been released, but I know Adam Malik has already conducted assessments. However, these need to be reinforced by experts as requested by the Vice President to ensure the highest standard of care. The expert team is currently working. I have not been updated on the results yet, but they should certainly be out within one or two days,” he concluded.