Young Doctor's Death Prompts Expert Call for Internship System Evaluation

The deaths of four young doctors undergoing internship programmes from February to early May 2026 have sparked concern among medical professionals. Director of Postgraduate Studies at Yarsi University, Tjandra Yoga Aditama, views these incidents as a serious alarm for evaluating the system and protections within the programme.

The most recent reported death was that of Myta Aprilia Azmi in early May 2026. Myta was stationed at KH Daud Arif Hospital in Kuala Tungkal, Jambi. This brings the total to four internship doctors who have passed away within a span of about three months. “This is not merely the loss of individuals, but also the loss of much-needed future medical personnel in Indonesia,” Tjandra stated in a written release on Monday, 4 May 2026.

The internship programme is a mandatory stage for medical graduates before they can practise independently. It is designed as a transitional period from academic education to professional practice in the field.

However, according to Tjandra, the deaths of these young doctors raise serious questions, especially as they occur during this very process. Tjandra expressed deep condolences over the passing of the young doctors.

Furthermore, he highlighted the irony amid Indonesia’s ongoing shortage of doctors, where young doctors are dying one by one while on duty. “The programme should prepare doctors to become professionals, not lead to fatal risks,” he said.

Tjandra also linked this phenomenon to findings in the 24 April 2026 edition of the international journal Medscape, titled The Health Worker Paradox: When Caregivers Become Patients. The article addresses the heavy workload of healthcare workers, including long hours, night shifts, and high pressure that can trigger stress and chronic fatigue (burnout).

Such conditions, he said, can potentially impact the physical and mental health of doctors, even reducing their quality of life, particularly if the work system does not provide adequate support.

According to Tjandra, internship doctors are generally young and in junior positions, making them vulnerable to work pressures. On the other hand, they are required to complete the programme as a prerequisite for advancing their professional careers. “In such situations, they need a system that protects them, rather than adding to their burdens,” he stated.

He called on the government and policymakers to address three main aspects in improving the internship programme. First, ensuring the quality of the programme remains intact as a learning stage before independent practice. Second, providing protection so that internship doctors can work without excessive physical and mental pressure. Third, guaranteeing welfare aspects during their assignments.

In his view, the deaths of these four doctors should serve as a momentum for overhauling the system comprehensively. “The internship programme must become better, more humane, and more dignified,” he said.

Previously, Head of the Bureau of Communication and Public Information at the Ministry of Health, Aji Muhawarman, expressed deep condolences over the death of young doctor Myta Aprilia Azmy, who was stationed at KH Daud Arif Hospital in Kuala Tungkal, Jambi. Aji stated that the Ministry of Health has dispatched an investigation team to trace the cause of Myta’s death.

“The investigation will be conducted comprehensively to trace the entire sequence of events, including aspects of medical services, internship programme management, workload, participant supervision, and health screening processes before placement,” he said.

Additionally, Aji mentioned that they will also conduct an audit of medical records, such as tracing the medical check-up process, and gather statements from the family of the late Myta. The Ministry of Health will also seek information from relatives, colleagues, internship supervisors, as well as medical or healthcare personnel who treated the late Myta. “Initial information regarding the deceased’s health condition, including suspected comorbidities, will be further verified. Therefore, the Ministry of Health will not speculate and will await the completion of the thorough investigation,” Aji stated.