The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) of the Republic of Indonesia has finally spoken out regarding the results of the internal investigation into the death of Dr. Icha. The Director General of Health Human Resources, Yuli Farianti, revealed that her team found indications of verbal abuse and intimidation from certain members of the public against the deceased during the performance of her medical duties.
Although the internal investigation has been completed, the Ministry of Health decided not to disclose the detailed results to the public. Yuli emphasized that all findings will be fully handed over to the police to support the ongoing investigation.
Regarding the clinical aspects, the Ministry of Health ensured that the handling of the snakebite case by Kefamenanu Regional General Hospital (RSUD) and Leona Hospital was in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Yuli stressed that the administration of Snake Anti-Venom Serum (SABU) cannot be given arbitrarily to all patients, but must go through strict medical indication screening stages for patient safety.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health highlighted a significant coordination gap between health service facilities, the Health Agency, and local governments. The weak support system at the regional level is considered a hindering factor in providing protection and rapid intervention for healthcare workers on duty in the field.
As a preventive measure, the Director General of Advanced Health, Azhar Jaya, instructed all hospital management to tighten security and ensure the protection of medical personnel in the work environment, especially in the Emergency Department (ED). The Ministry of Health also reminded the public that healthcare workers have the legal right to suspend services if they feel threatened, as regulated in the Health Law and its derivative regulations. Any act of intimidation or violence against healthcare workers will not only be processed through health regulations, but also through criminal law channels.
