Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – Deputy Chair of Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR), Kurniasih Mufidayati, highlighted the case of the dismissal of 249 non-civil servants health workers in Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), and the failure of 500 midwives to be appointed as Government Employees under Work Agreement aka PPPK.
The member of the PKS faction of the DPR said that these two incidents reflect that appreciation for the health profession is still lacking in Indonesia. Kurniasih admitted that she was concerned about both cases. "The core of the problems remain the same, where the health workers' hopes of getting adequate welfare have evaporated," said Kurniasih as quoted from the DPR's official website on Wednesday.
According to Kurniasih, the local government has the authority over the dismissal of hundreds of health workers in Manggarai. However, it would be a good idea for the Ministry of Health to also inspect the conditions on the ground. Kurniasih emphasized that health workers' rights should not be ignored or work below minimum wages.
"Because it could later affect the general health services in the regions if hundreds of health workers were laid off. Don't forget that they were on the front line during the [COVID-19] pandemic. So how do we appreciate them?" said Kurniasih, reminding that the government called the health workers heroes for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Previously, Manggarai Regent Herybertus G.L Nabit reportedly fired 249 health workers by not extending their 2024 Work Order (SPK). The dismissal was reportedly carried out as a result of health workers asking for an extension of the SPK and an increase in wages and additional income.
On the other hand, 500 midwives who were set to be appointed as PPPK suddenly had their identification numbers canceled by the Ministry of Health.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, Mohammad Syahril, denied that the ministry had canceled the PPPK Identification Number for the midwives. According to him, the selection process of these midwives did not comply with the rules set by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of State Apparatus Utilization. and Bureaucratic Reform.
However, Kurniasih urged the ministries that differences in administrative norms should not prevent hundreds of midwives from becoming PPPK at the last moment as they have already served in Health Service Facilities. "Perhaps the Ministry of Health and even the Education Ministry should sit down together to find solutions for these 500 midwives," she said.