Serang, Banten (ANTARA) - Banten Governor Wahidin Halim has protested against the Health Ministry's decision to downgrade 21 hospitals in the province. "We protest against it and will file a lawsuit. What is the reason behind it?" he asked in Serang, the capital of Banten province, Tuesday.

The decision is ironical since the Banten provincial government is taking steps to improve health facilities by appointing specialists among others at the hospitals.

"We have just upgraded Malingping Regional General Hospital, so why is it suddenly downgraded? Is it related to the role of the BPJS (Healthcare and Social Security Agency)?" he asked

Halim would be speaking to the Health Ministry about the policy, he said.

"The policy is controversial since the regional government is improving the quality of hospitals and services to increase their ratings. So it is ironical," he said.

The governor will soon be assigning Banten Provincial Secretary Al Muktabar to coordinate with the Health Ministry, he said.

The Health Ministry has recommended the downgrading of 21 hospitals in eight districts and municipalities in the province, including regional government-owned hospitals such as RSUD Banten and RS Dr Dradjat Prawiranegara (RSDP) Serang.

The ministry recommended the downgrading of RSUD Banten from type B to C, RSDP from type B to C, RSUD South Tangerang from type C to D, and RSUD Dr Adjidarmo Lebak from type B to C. The recommendation also applies to private hospitals and firm-owned hospitals in the state.

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Translator: Mulyana, Suharto
Editor: Azizah Fitriyanti
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