Jakarta (ANTARA) - Someone must be held responsible for the cases of acute kidney injury that have claimed the lives of over 150 children in Indonesia, the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has said.

"Because this can be called an extraordinary incident, thus someone must be (held) responsible for this incident," deputy chairman of the commission, Munafrizal Manan, said on Thursday.

The commission believes that everyone who was involved or indicated to be involved in violations must be held accountable, he informed.

According to the Health Ministry, as of October 26, 2022, the number of cases of atypical progressive acute kidney injury in the country has reached 269, an increase of 18 compared to the previous two days.

The commission has expressed its agreement with President Joko Widodo’s suggestion that patients who are currently still hospitalized be provided free treatment.

Further, the government or related ministries and institutions must provide compensation to the families of children who died of acute kidney injury, he said.

Related news: Acute kidney disease cases in Indonesia increase to 269: Ministry

The commission has asked the National Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) to provide regular updates or information on acute kidney injury cases to the public because it concerns their rights.

"We expect that the (information) is as transparent as possible and as it is, without being covered up," Manan stressed.

The commission is concerned about the cases, which are suspected to have caused the deaths of over 150 children in Indonesia, he added.

He emphasized that the relevant stakeholders must pay attention to aspects of children’s safety.

"This concerns the right to life, the right to health, and the right to social security," Manan added.



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Translator: M Zulfikar, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Suharto
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