"Health workers, as the frontliners in health services, should receive good legal protection. We cannot let violence that health workers experience to be considered as ordinary due to the lack of legal protection," she said in a statement issued on Thursday.
Many health workers are subjected to physical and mental violence while serving people, she added.
One instance of such violence was recorded in West Lampung, when a patient and their family claimed a certain medicine was ineffective and physically attacked doctors at a public health center (puskesmas).
“(This includes) Violence in the workplace toward health workers, in addition to threatening their safety; it can also hinder them from doing their job in serving the people," she said.
She then affirmed the DPR and the government's commitment to prioritizing the safety and prosperity of health workers during the discussion on the Health Bill.
She said she expects the Health Bill to become a form of the state's protection for health workers so that they can work without worrying about their safety.
"The DPR and the government will strive to provide legal protection to health workers through a rigid regulation," she expounded.
"Moreover, the prosperity of health workers will also be a priority given that the job that they do is not easy," she added.
Furthermore, she urged everyone to respect health workers. If people feel that health workers are doing something wrong, or if there is a misunderstanding, they must communicate this well, she said.
"Please believe in them. Health workers will do the best they can to provide health assistance. If there are health workers that you think are lacking, resolve the issue without any violence," Maharani appealed.
Meanwhile, the DPR urged health workers to provide the best services to people. As providers of services to the public, they must do the best they can.
“The health workers' job is very noble. Many health workers have to be far away from their families to help people, even going to remote regions," Maharani said.
"I appreciate the dedication of all health workers in Indonesia," she added.
Maharani also lauded the performance of health workers who worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
In fact, health workers were willing to risk their lives at the front line of the fight against the coronavirus, she said.
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Translator: Fauzi, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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