Oyos Saroso H.N, Bandar Lampung – A strike involving medical workers, including doctors and administrative employees at the Abdul Moeloek General Hospital (RSUAM) in Bandar Lampung, Lampung, over the last several days has affected medical services to patients.
A number of patients getting inpatient treatment with Jamkesda health insurance sponsored by the provincial administration, are confused because they are asked to immediately return home, despite still being sick.
Around 600 doctors, nurses and paramedics affiliated with the RSUAM Employees Communication Forum (FKK RSUAM) have been protesting since Wednesday demanding the ouster of hospital managing director Hermansyah Zaini, calling his leadership style draconian.
FKK RSUAM spokesman Aswedi Putra said his group demanded the immediate dismissal of Hermansyah because doctors and employees were no longer working in a favorable atmosphere. "The petition of replacing Hermansyah is ultimate. As professionals, we deem his leadership as excessive, authoritarian, full of intimidation and unprofessional," Aswedi said on Thursday.
Aswedi cited Hermansyah's practice of disrespecting senior medical attendant Syahroni. "During a ceremony, he said, 'Look at Pak Syahroni, who is already old and smells of the grave, running like a dog'," Aswedi said quoting Hermansyah.
"We will continue to fight, especially if there is no guarantee from the provincial administration that the hospital director be replaced. Despite that, we will continue to provide medical services to patients," Aswedi said.
He added that Hermansyah's arrogant attitude toward doctors and medical attendants had led to four specialists resigning after being threatened, pressured and humiliated.
"His is often rude to medical workers in front of the public, such as during ceremonies and forums, whereas in fact he should have discussed issues politely," he said.
An oncologist at the hospital, Adi Nugraha, said five specialists had resigned due to the poor leadership of Hermansyah. The resignations, added Adi, could be fatal because the government might stop placing specialists in Lampung.
However, Hermansyah denied the accusations that he was authoritarian and unprofessional. According to him, as the hospital managing director, he must uphold discipline. "But my efforts in upholding discipline have instead raised strong reactions. This is because they are not prepared," he said.
Hermansyah added that, to uphold discipline, he implemented the policy of morning roll call at 7:30 a.m. at the hospital. "However, many are opposed to it, especially the specialists. Maybe they are working at other places during that time," he said.
Lampung Governor Sjachroedin Z.P. said their aspiration could be accommodated as long as it was conveyed in a less pressing way.