COVID-19 Task Force Reports To President About Rights For 100 Unpaid Health Workers

The COVID-19 Task Force of the Regional General Hospital Achmad Mochtar Bukittinggi (RSAM) reported to the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo regarding the unpaid rights of health workers.

"We are fighting for the rights of medical services of around 100 health workers to specialist doctors," said Deputy Chair of the COVID-19 Task Force RSAM dr. Deddy Herman as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, June 20.

Deddy Herman explained that the letter had been received by the Ministry of State Secretariat dated May 29, 2023. In addition, a similar letter was sent to the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK), the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

In the letter, he explained that in terms of calculating and giving COVID-19 medical service money by the management of RUSD Achmad Mochtar Bukittinggi to medical personnel, it was carried out unprofessionally and proportionally.

In addition, the provision of money for COVID-19 medical services is not guided by applicable regulations and tends to be arbitrary by decision makers.

The loud voice sought, he said, was a concrete step to fight for material rights to medical personnel, including the RUSD Achmad Mochtar Bukittinggi COVID-19 Task Force team, which should be given in full in accordance with the mandate of the state.

"For leaving the family, children, wives of all kinds, and leaving everything to serve COVID patients, please provide medical services that are in accordance with those given by the Indonesian government," he said.

So far, he and his fellow colleagues have worked and been fully dedicated, as well as maximum service to the community for handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deddy Herman said that his party had held a meeting on February 6, 2023, the hospital admitted their mistake.

"I have proof of the video recording. However, until now there has been no sequel," he said.

According to him, there has been a lot of concrete evidence related to the alleged corruption of government aid funds for handling COVID-19 which has been distributed to hospitals.

"Based on the evidence I collected, it is strongly indicated that there has been a criminal act of corruption committed by the management of RSUD Achmad Mochtar Bukittinggi. In this case, calculating and providing only money for COVID-19 medical services to medical personnel is not transparent, not on target, and not in accordance with the rules," he asserted.

Deddy hopes that President Joko Widodo and the relevant government will pay special attention to himself and his colleagues so that they do not get unwanted actions by related parties in the case.

"So that my colleagues and I as COVID-19 medical personnel who fight for justice in this case get legal protection from law enforcement officials to avoid things that are not desirable," he said.