Dinda Shabrina, Jakarta – The Health Ministry admits the monitoring system in the Indonesian healthcare facilities is easily exploited by medical workers to commit violations, including sexual violence against patients. One such case occurred at Hasan Sadikin Hospital in Bandung, where Priguna Anugerah Pratama, a specialist resident, assaulted a patient's relative.
The Director General of Healthcare Services at the Health Ministry, Azhar Jaya, said the ministry is evaluating the monitoring system at healthcare services as well as taking stringent action against violators.
"The existing standard operating procedures are actually quite comprehensive, but some loopholes are still exploited by certain individuals. These are the improvements we must make," said Azhar after a press conference at the Ministry of Health building, Kuningan, South Jakarta, Monday, April 21, 2025.
On a structural level, Azhar said, the ministry has taken strict measures, including replacing the Medical Staff Chair (KSM) at the Hasan Sadikin Hospital. "We are not only stopping at individuals who committed the violation," he said.
Azhar urged patients to choose bravery and refuse "unsecure" or precarious actions by medical workers, highlighting patients' full rights to refuse medical treatments, including refusing to face a healthcare worker alone.
"Patients have the right to refuse medical treatment if they feel unsafe, especially if the treatment is performed by an opposite-gender medical worker and without a companion," he said.
In every medical room, Azhar explained, information about the flow and types of medical treatment must be displayed. But he admitted that the dissemination of such information remains lacking. He also pledged to improve public education regarding patients' rights and the procedures that should occur in medical treatment rooms.
Loopholes in the SOP at Hasan Sadikin Hospital Bandung
The Chief Executive of the Bandung hospital, Rachim Dinata Marsidi, claimed that the hospital has strict monitoring standards, including safeguarding the patients and drug recording systems. However, the perpetrator's actions exceeded the internal surveillance system's suspicions.
"A companion is required while a patient is examined. Our nurses always accompany them. Even the family can join if deemed necessary," said Rachim. He expressed concern and emphasized that they continue to conduct comprehensive evaluations.
Regarding the allegations of misuse of anesthesia, Rachim confirmed that the perpetrator stole a small amount of drugs. "The anesthesia drugs are tightly controlled. If you take one ampoule, you have to return the container. But the perpetrator took half, and kept the rest for themselves. That is criminal, and indeed difficult to monitor," he said.
According to Rachim, drug surveillance is carried out by the Pharmacy Department with a double lock system and strict recording. However, there are still loopholes if the perpetrator manually bypasses them.