Three big hospitals to have name changed

Three big hospitals to have name changed

JAKARTA (JP): Three major hospitals have been taken over by
the government and will have their names changed to dispel the
perception that they are still under a foundation chaired by
former president Soeharto, a minister said yesterday.

The three are Harapan Kita Coronary Hospital, the Anak Bunda
Harapan Kita Hospital for maternity and pediatric care and the
Dharmais Cancer Hospital, all located on Jl. Letjen S. Parman in
West Jakarta.

Minister of Health Farid A. Moeloek said the name changes were
proposed by legislators who were concerned that the hospitals
would inherit a negative image if they were perceived to be under
the management of a foundation associated with the former
president.

It is not known when the names of the three hospitals will be
formally changed or what names they will assume.

Antara quoted Moeloek as saying that the hospitals'
managements had been fully taken over by the government.

He said the government would maintain the role of the three
hospitals as national referral hospitals because of the
sophisticated equipment and high-quality medical staff available
at them.

He pointed out that the three hospitals were good training
grounds for pediatricians along with heart and cancer
specialists.

Nevertheless, he said there would be major restructuring in
the running of the hospitals, including a cross-subsidy scheme so
the hospitals could fully cater to the needs of the general
public.

Doctors and employees of the three hospitals would be regarded
as civil servants.

The three hospitals were previously under the management of
foundations chaired by former president Soeharto.

However, since his resignation there has been a public outcry
for an investigation into his wealth. There has also been a
tremendous backlash against anything perceived to be related with
Soeharto or his family. (mds)