Exclusive, Adib Khumaidi: IDI Is The Only Professional Doctor Organization Regulated By Law

In a true democracy, it is not forbidden to have various organizations, including in the medical field. The right to associate and assemble is expressly guaranteed in Article 28 of the 1945 Constitution. However, said the General Chair of the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) Dr. Adib Khumaidi, SpOT, specifically for medical professional organizations in Indonesia, only IDI has the legitimacy of the law. So what about other organizations?

***

Based on the UU IDI, it becomes a single forum for doctors in Indonesia. The existence of this medical professional organization is indeed mentioned in Law No. 29 of 2004 concerning Medical Practice. In Article 1 Paragraph 12 it is emphasized that; The professional organizations are the Indonesian Doctors Association for doctors and the Indonesian Dentist Association for dentists.

However, on April 27, 2022, a number of doctors declared a new organization called the All-Indonesian Doctors Association (PDSI). The declaration was held in Jakarta and led by Brigadier General TNI (Purn) dr. Jajang Edi Priyanto SpB MARS. He firmly said that the formation of PDSI was the result of a situation that had made health personnel noisy recently. One of them is the case of the dismissal of former Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto from IDI membership. And not long ago, Terawan also joined PDSI, although it has not been mentioned that he will occupy certain positions and positions, but according to Edi Prayitno, he will occupy an important position.

Responding to the formation of PDSI, Adib Khumaidi responded calmly. "I think if we talk about the dynamics of democracy (the formation of PDSI) it is a natural thing. Actually, it's not just now, before that there were also associations that used the doctor's name as part of a form of community organization (ormas),” he said.

On the other hand, the role and function of IDI as a professional organization in the medical field has also been clearly regulated. “The most important thing that is carried out by IDI is that it is the only doctor's organization that has legitimacy in the Medical Practice Law. And that was later strengthened by the decision of Constitutional Court No. 10/PUU-XV/2017. Where it is stated that IDI is the only professional medical organization," continued Adib.

Because it received strong legitimacy from the state constitution, the emergence of another organization for Adib as the General Chair of PB IDI 2022-2025 was taken naturally. He talked more about IDI reborn in the sense of IDI being reborn for better things than before and about acute hepatitis which is the concern of all parties now. What the review is like, this is the conversation with Iqbal Irsyad, Edy Suherli, Savic Rabos, and Rifai who visited him at the IDI Central Executive Board office, in Menteng, Central Jakarta not long ago. Here is the full excerpt.

As the new Chairperson of IDI, what are the important programs that will be realized?

At the beginning of our stewardship, we did a SWOT analysis. From there, we can see the existing problems. First, IDI in the future will not be a reactive organization, but an anticipatory prospective one. This means that we must look to a more complex future. There are also more problems than before. And like it or not, this is what led us to launch an effort yesterday at the congress in Banda Aceh. We are moving towards IDI reborn. A better reborn IDI.

Better in what area? Here we must prioritize the intellectual side, meritocracy, participation in the form of academic studies, and professionalism. And then the reborn IDI was like the forerunner to the establishment of the former IDI: to encourage and help the state, in this case, the government, to maintain public health. Then also fight for the rights and interests of IDI members. It's a reborn that we have to do.

So what program will IDI focus on?

In relation to IDI's work program, there are two main words that will be the focus; branding and trusting. How to build the IDI brand in the future and how to make outsiders trust IDI.

This branding will be a strong social capital for the organization; branding integrity, branding identity, and branding image. Then it relates to the trust that must be built from the Indonesian people, that IDI was born from the Indonesian people and for the Indonesian people. We see there are many problems that occur today. There are things that become self-criticism for us, as well as criticism from the public, this can be one thing that I think we need to make internal analysis, to improve IDI in the future. The key, in my opinion, is the hope of the community that they still want to get quality health services. Health services are guaranteed by the state, and doctors are part of the service system. We must enter into efforts that are solely for the benefit of the people.

What is your opinion about the presence of the PDSI organization? What is the difference between professional organizations and social organizations in the medical world?

I think if we talk about the dynamics of democracy (the formation of PDSI) it is a natural thing. Actually, not only now, but before that, there were also associations that used the name of the doctor as part of a form of community organization (ormas).

So it must be distinguished understanding related to IDI as a professional organization and IDI which is also a community organization. When we talk about community organizations or mass organizations, there are provisions in the Ormas Law. That all of that must have the name of the association. In establishing a legal entity, we use the Indonesian Doctors Association.

The most important thing carried out by IDI is that it is the only doctor's organization that has legitimacy in the Medical Practice Law. And that was later strengthened by the results of the decision of Constitutional Court No. 10/PUU-XV/2017. Where it is stated that IDI is the only medical professional organization.

Why should there be a single organization for the medical profession?

In relation to the medical profession, there is an interest in quality standards, ethical standards, and competency standards. And provide legal certainty to the community, and it must come from one source. Imagine if there were other standards made by organizations acting in the name of doctors, the interests of the people would be affected. This is what the Constitutional Court confirmed that the medical professional organization must be one.

And in the special health personnel law, it is stated that if it is related to a health organization that has an interest in the lives of many people in saving lives, then the organization must be single. This is what I think needs to be understood. In terms of community organizations, the rules and references are clear. In terms of professional organizations, the reference is also clear. In this case, we also refer to the World Medical Association, which says that the National Medical Association (IDI) has the responsibility to maintain quality standards, ethical standards, and competency standards and maintain service quality. Later it will be related to advocacy, registration, and certification. This I think needs to be understood, that there is a difference between a professional organization and a social organization.

Doctor's license will be regulated by the state, how do you respond?

So this has something to do with administration, there is authority from the government through existing regulations, be it laws or ministerial regulations. Currently, the Minister of Health Regulation No. 205 is clear that the authority lies in professional organizations in this case the Indonesian Doctors Association together with related associations under IDI. This is related to quality control, and cost control as in the Medical Practice Act. In quality control, it is the group that can judge, so we (IDI) are only limited to recommendations. But when we talk about the authority to issue SIP (practice permit) it is the authority of the Health Service. Now there is a name for PTSP, a one-stop integrated service.

Recently, acute hepatitis has become a scourge, appearing in the UK and spreading to all corners of the world. As a professional organization, what is the attitude of IDI, either to members or an appeal to the community?

It must be understood that there is such a thing as now there are diseases that arise because of global health disease. This disease spreads rapidly due to global factors, open communication, and smooth transportation, so the potential for the disease to spread will definitely exist. So the state must be prepared to face this condition. There used to be SARS, bird flu, and finally COVID-19, and now there is acute hepatitis. These are things that will indeed be a potential risk that will occur in a country.

If we look at it from that perspective, the key thing we have to do is manage prevention. Talking about prevention or prevention, we are promotive too. This means that when it comes to education, what must be educated and disseminated to the community is first a healthy lifestyle, secondly the environment, sanitation, and hygiene. This is what the community has to protect.

IDI and the Ministry of Health always coordinate to anticipate conditions that occur in the field. We are not reactive, but we do things that are anticipatory. Because this hepatitis is included in acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology, among other hepatitis diseases, there needs to be a standard. IDI as a professional organization together with the Ministry of Health makes service standards. What are the problems, so there is a health protocol that we will prepare so that general practitioners and doctors in primary care will be ready when dealing with diseases related to acute hepatitis. The key is so that it doesn't become an outbreak like COVID-19, it is very important to educate the public regarding health and hygiene.

So for acute hepatitis itself, there are not many references?

Because this is something new, there are still not many references. We are still discussing this matter. There are references from Europe, especially England, who are the references for dealing with acute hepatitis, they are already ready. Because acute hepatitis is an unknown aetiology, what needs to be a concern is financing. The state must be present, lest there are patients who are constrained by costs and cannot be examined, so the jaundice syndrome is called this disease.

For doctors in big cities, it may be relatively easy to treat acute hepatitis, what about those in remote areas?

Problems related to this issue already occurred during the COVID-19 yesterday. That the standards for those in Jakarta and the remotest areas are not the same. Because our country has its own characteristics, our geography is different. This is what we encourage so that the state (central and regional governments) increase the capacity of infrastructure, facilities and infrastructure, medical devices, medicines, and human resources are also important to be a concern.

IDI must take on a responsive role. IDI must be at the forefront to become the main reference for the people. This is the most important and we take care of it. When speaking on behalf of IDI our references are related to experts related to it. But in the digital world, there are those who talk as doctors who provide education regardless of what is conveyed differently, people will look for referrals, yes from IDI.

Prevention is better than cure, what preventive measures can people take to deal with this acute hepatitis?

The key is health and hygiene. Healthy habits are important. Healthy canteens in schools are very important, because this appears at the age of toddlers and schools under 15 years of age. It is very important to talk about health, not only to educate the government, but also directly in schools and families. We make public communication through zoom, infographics, social media, and so on so that many people have references

Ahead of May 20th Medical Service Day, what is the agenda of activities that will be carried out?

The Day of Devotion for Indonesian Doctors is a part of our social responsibility. It is our responsibility as citizens of our country which is commemorated every May 20 which was ratified during the time of President SBY. Its history on May 20 that the establishment of Budi Utomo as a day of national awakening was initiated by Budi Utomo, in which many doctor friends participated. The Indonesian Doctor's Service Day is a series until the IDI Anniversary on October 24.

The age of the Indonesian Doctor's Day of Devotion adjusts to the age of the National Awakening later to 117 for the 72nd IDI. The efforts that we make, the most important of all activities related to the community and community service are efforts to increase cooperation into one main program. God willing, later we will launch it in Pati, Central Java, by constructing boreholes in that area which is very short of clean water. This is an attempt to solve some other ailments. There is also the construction of latrines for other areas. Everything is not done on May 20, but gradually until the IDI Anniversary.

Adib Khumaidi Shares Healthy Tips Even When Busy With Multiple Activities

Busy with multiple activities as an orthopedic doctor, a lecturer, and also struggling with professional organizations as Chairman of IDI (Indonesian Doctors Association) and several other organizations, became a challenge for Dr. Adib Khumaidi, SpOT. There are at least three things he must do to keep himself healthy; pray not to get sick, get enough rest, and eat regularly with balanced nutrition.

“Prayer is important so that Allah SWT gives us health. For rest in the sense of a full sleep after a day's activities, I need 4 to 5 hours. That is enough. In addition, what should not be forgotten is eating a balanced diet,” said the man who was born in Lamongan, East Java, on 28 June 1974.

Not only the three things above, but the thing that is of concern to him is also maintaining body mass index. Although currently, his body mass index is still above normal, he is trying to get it to a normal position. “My BMI (body mass index) is still in the range of 30. This is homework for me so that my BMI can go down and be in the normal range. As much as possible no more than 22 or 25," he said.

Not only for himself, but he also suggested to those around him. "I also suggest to the people around them that their body weight is balanced, and they can live a healthy lifestyle," said Adib, who is continuing his studies at the Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya. On the sidelines of his assignment in Jakarta, he continued his studies as an Orthopedic and Traumatology Specialist (SpOT) at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, and graduated in 2011.

Time is indeed the main obstacle for Adib to exercise. But he tried to do physical activity in the midst of high busyness. "In the midst of my busy schedule, it is difficult for me to exercise, but I take the time to pedal a stationary bike and do some light movements such as sit-ups that can be done at home," he said.

Currently, Adib does not include abstinence from eating certain foods. "Thank God I have no restrictions, I eat everything but don't overdo it. And I'm grateful that I don't have diabetes and high blood pressure. And I am always reminded by my wife to eat vegetables, and fruits and drink lots of water,” he said. "For fruit and vegetables, don't forget, they must be on the daily menu," added a permanent lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Health (FKK) Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (2006-present).

Trustworthy

Since he was studying at State Senior High School 2 Lamongan, he has been actively organizing. This habit continued when he was on campus and until now when he has become a doctor and also a lecturer. “I always maintain the communication and networking that has been built. We woke up and when I was given the mandate there was an MUI (Indonesian Ulema Council) institution, and I just got the mandate. I was asked to be involved after the National Conference (MUI) in 2020," said Adib about his involvement as an administrator at the Central MUI.

Responding to the COVID-19 that hit, MUI completed its management by involving health workers. He received the mandate to fill the position of Chairman of the Central MUI Health Institute. "I think in activities as part of the community, such as when I was involved in ICMI (Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals Association) or in other institutions such as the Nutrition Awareness Foundation, if indeed I was given the mandate I would carry out both as a professional doctor which is also related to public health problem," he said.

As a doctor, he is called to take care of public health, either directly or through institutions or organizations. "I don't see it from another perspective, as part of the medical health profession group, I have a responsibility to maintain public health," he continued.

He hopes that his involvement in the MUI Health Institute can help and participate in realizing public health through programs implemented by MUI.

After COVID-19 hit, the world is facing a new challenge. There is an acute hepatitis disease of unknown cause. Facing this situation, he called on the public not to panic. Preventive action can be taken as a form of initial care.

"For preventive measures that can be taken is to carry out health protocols correctly. Wear a mask, wash your hands and keep your distance. And don't forget to live a healthy lifestyle, starting from maintaining a balanced diet and exercising enough," he said.

Family

Adib Khumaidi admitted that he had not yet become an ideal parent or head of a family. But he tried to go in that ideal direction as much as possible. "I'm not saying that I've become the ideal parent. But since the beginning of my marriage, I have made a commitment to my partner and including my children to be an ideal parent," he said.

But in practice, according to Adib, his son often protested. “Time constraints forced me to try to find time to chat with my wife and children after work. As a consequence, he sleeps a bit late. We usually sleep after 11.00 at night. Because that's the time I have and I maximize the time I have to communicate with my family," he said.

There is no reason to be busy with routines as a doctor, lecturer, and other activities, Adib said that he followed every development and growth of his children from childhood until now they are starting to grow up," he said.

The family, Adib said, is very important to take care of the children so that they can grow and develop well and are not affected by improper association. “We have to understand that because of economic factors, for example, many children do not receive direct attention from their parents. In today's conditions, we cannot apply anything doctrinal to children. They must be invited and involved in any problem solving," he said.

As a parent, continued Adib, now you have to open yourself up to the complaints made by your child. “Efforts that we can do are to open the widest possible communication space. Through intense communication with children, it is hoped that existing problems can be resolved. On the other hand, parents must also be open to input or criticism from children. The pattern is now open,” said Adib.

When that openness has been established, Adib said, children will not look for other people out there to solve the problems they face. “Because children already understand that their parents are very supportive and will help solve existing problems. If the faucet is closed, children will look for solutions elsewhere,” said Adib, who emphasized that children should also be given good religious and moral education.

>

Parents must be ready like hotline center officers who are on standby 24 hours. Whenever children need to talk, parents must be ready to listen to them talk. There is no reason to be busy with work or organization and so on. When this has been confirmed, said Adib Khumaidi, there is no longer any chance for other parties to influence children with bad things.

“In relation to the medical profession, there is an interest in quality standards, ethical standards, and competency standards. And provide legal certainty to the community, and it must come from one source. Imagine if there were other standards set by an organization in the name of doctors, the interests of the people would be affected. This is what the Constitutional Court has strengthened that the medical professional organization must be one.”

Dr. Adib Khumaidi, SpOT