A medical resident at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) has been suspended from duty for three months after making disparaging remarks about a patient covered by Indonesia's BPJS health insurance scheme, according to CNN Indonesia.
The suspension, reported on Friday, follows a video that circulated online showing the specialist trainee (PPDS) mocking a BPJS patient. CNN Indonesia did not provide further details on the exact nature of the comment or the patient's condition.
The UGM case is part of a broader pattern of healthcare workers facing consequences for insensitive behavior toward BPJS patients. CNN Indonesia separately reported that a staff member at a regional public hospital (RSUD) in Tasikmalaya chose to resign after similarly mocking a BPJS patient. In another incident, Kompas.id reported that RS Pusri terminated a partner doctor following an "unempathetic comment" directed at a BPJS patient.
The incidents have drawn public attention to the treatment of BPJS patients, who rely on Indonesia's national health insurance program. Kompas.com reported on the family of Yurizal, a BPJS patient who was bullied by health workers, remembering him as productive and someone who never complained. Separately, detikNews reported that House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has called for an evaluation of the healthcare service system in light of these cases.
The string of incidents suggests a systemic issue in how some medical staff interact with BPJS patients. Watch for whether the health ministry or hospital associations introduce new guidelines on patient communication and professional conduct in response to public pressure.
