Cases Like Doctor Lois Owien Who Doesn't Believe In COVID-19, Daeng M. Faqih: There Are Also Overseas

JAKARTA – Doctor Lois Owien who stated that he did not believe in COVID-19 caused a stir. As a result of his remarks that spread through social media, he is also suspected of spreading hoaxes and is now a suspect. According to the General Chair of IDI (Indonesian Doctors Association) Dr. Daeng M. Faqih, SH, MH, abroad there are also doctors who have this opinion.

In some developed countries there are also doctors who say they don't believe in COVID-19. “Actually, cases like Dr Lois's case don't just happen in Indonesia. In some developed countries such as Germany there are also groups of doctors who do not believe and express their opinions openly about COVID-19. They were also arrested by the local government,” said Daeng in an online interview with VOI on Wednesday, July 14.

Doctors in the country were also arrested because their opinions contradicted universally accepted opinions. "Because the opinions expressed are different opinions, very contrary to the science that is universally adopted today," he continued.

In fact, different opinions, still said Daeng, it's okay. Scientifically, those who express differences of opinion should provide arguments based on research and scientific research as well. So the debate is in a scientific framework, not just opinion-based. And the debate is not on social media, the audience is diverse from various backgrounds. “Please refute the opinion that has been universally recognized by resetting it scientifically with strong and valid evidence. Don't just rely on personal opinion," he said.

According to Daeng, the action taken by the police by arresting and examining Lois's doctor was aimed at calming down. The problem is that the public can be confused if this polemic is prolonged, especially now that it is still during the COVID-19 pandemic and Emergency PPKM.

“People can be confused if this polemic drags on. This is very dangerous for the public interest. Moreover, the government is taking the COVID-19 pandemic disaster very seriously," he said.

Meanwhile, when asked whether Doctor Lois Owien was a member of IDI, this was Daeng's clarification. “In the past, he was a member of IDI. But the membership was not extended or expired," he said.

Because he is no longer a member of IDI, continued Daeng, organizationally, IDI actually has no right to provide guidance or defense to the person concerned when handled by the police. However, due to his professional responsibilities and having been a member of IDI, the parent medical organization then sent a summons for a dialogue with Doctor Lois Owien. "We've already made a call to him. Actually today (14 July) was scheduled. But on Sunday (11 July) the police called him first. Yes, we are waiting for a resolution by the police," he said.

Apart from the legal process being handled by the police as the General Chair of IDI, Dr. Daeng M. Faqih, SH, MH, emphasized that in the work of a doctor there are signs; doctor's oath and Indonesian medical code of ethics. “When a doctor expresses his opinion on social media, it can't be careless, don't make people noisy and restless. Always remember the doctor's oath and the medical code of ethics," he said after explaining about Doctor Lois Owien who didn't believe in COVID-19.