Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadis Nakes Cibir BPJS Patients, Ask for Empathy to the Community

JAKARTA - Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin admitted that he was sad to see the negative comments of a number of health workers against BPJS patients who had complained about the long wait for treatment rooms at hospitals.

Budi said health workers should still show empathy to the community, whatever their profession and position.

"My heart is sad. Whatever our profession, we must have empathy for the community," said Budi at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Thursday, August 6.

Budi's statement was made when he was asked by reporters about the case of a BPJS patient named Yurizal. The patient previously poured his experience waiting for treatment rooms for up to eight hours at the hospital.

The complaint then received a negative response from a number of accounts identified as health workers. The comments sparked public outrage because they were considered inappropriate to be conveyed to patients who were in need of health services.

A few days later, on July 31, 2026, Yurizal was reported to have died. The news made the public spotlight on the behavior of a number of health workers even stronger.

This case is of concern because it touches on the most basic relationship in the health service, namely treatment of patients. Budi did not elaborate further on the steps that the Ministry of Health would take.

However, he emphasized that health workers still need to maintain empathy when dealing with the public.

"Whatever our profession, we should have empathy," said Budi.