Ulma Haryanto – Indonesian Corruption Watch has found that some hospitals still discriminate against poor families who are entitled to free medical treatment, the watchdog group's public health researcher said on Tuesday.

Ratna Kusumaningsih said the finding was part of a recently concluded 2009 survey of 23 private and state-owned hospitals in Greater Jakarta carried out by the group, which is also known as ICW. The survey was conducted in November 2009 at five private and 18 state-owned hospitals. ICW also sent a list of the most "delinquent" hospitals to the Health Ministry, but the names were not disclosed.

"Among the findings, we discovered that some hospitals still charge patients or ask for a down payment even though they are Jamkesmas [state health insurance] card holders," Ratna said during a meeting with officials from the ministry.

The survey was conducted of 738 patients who were using state health insurance cards to obtain treatment. By showing the card, a patient is supposed to receive free treatment under the state scheme.

The watchdog found that 78.3 percent of female patients felt they were being discriminated against, as opposed to 70.3 percent of male respondents.

Common complaints included "unfriendly" hospital staff, a lack of discipline on the part of doctors and the requirement for a down payment despite having a health card.

Other problems that were identified included families having to pay for their insurance cards, patients being denied hospital treatment and poor standards in health facilities.

Ratna said ICW was keen to pass on the survey results to the ministry in order to ensure compliance with the Health Law. Under t he law, the ministry has the authority to give written warnings or even to revoke hospital licenses if government rules are not followed.

"Hospitals must be more transparent and accountable in treating their patients and complying with minimum service standards. The ministry must urgently create a body to supervise and monitor the conduct of hospitals, as stipulated in the law," Ratna said.

Responding to ICW's claims, Usman Sumantri, head of the ministry's health financing and insurance unit, said he was certain that the future insurance scheme for state health coverage would encourage hospitals to improve their performance.

"The planned scheme will also be more efficient in purchasing new equipment and prescribing medicines," he said.