Health Human Resources Director General Yuli Farianti said on Monday the deaths were not linked to excessive workloads, countering social media claims that long working hours were to blame.
“No indications of overwork due to duty schedules were found. Each of the three worked less than 40 hours per week,” she said.
The first case involved an intern rotating between RSUD Pagelaran Hospital and a local health center in Cianjur, West Java. The intern handled measles cases on March 8.
By March 18, the intern developed fever, flu and cough. Despite being granted sick leave from March 19 to March 21, the intern continued working.
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Between March 22 and March 25, the intern stayed home and self-medicated. The intern’s condition worsened on March 25 and death occurred on March 26, with a final diagnosis of measles complicated by cardiac and neurological conditions.
The second case involved an intern who experienced fever, diarrhea and suspected anemia. After receiving treatment at two hospitals, the intern died on March 25.
Authorities have not confirmed a definitive diagnosis, although anemia is suspected as a contributing factor.
The third intern developed a fever on March 9 and took sick leave from March 10 to March 12 before seeking further treatment.
The intern was later admitted to Bhayangkara Hospital in Denpasar and diagnosed with grade 2 dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Delays in referral were cited as a key factor, and the intern died from dengue shock complications.
Farianti said the cases highlight the need for stronger oversight, improved communication with interns and families, and stricter monitoring of health conditions.
She also urged interns to avoid self-medication and seek timely professional care when ill.The ministry will evaluate supervision systems and clinical protocols at teaching hospitals to prevent similar incidents.
“Interns are in hospitals to learn, and their safety must be ensured so they can provide proper care,” she said.
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Translator: Mecca, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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