Prabumulih, KOTABARI.COM – The Prabumulih Police have named Midwife ZN as a suspect in a malpractice case in Prabumulih City. The arrest followed the discovery of various administrative and legal violations committed by ZN while running her midwifery practice.
According to South Sumatra Police Public Relations Head, Commissioner Pol Sunarto, ZN’s midwifery practice license (SIPB) has been expired since July 26, 2010, and her midwife registration certificate has been invalid since January 28, 2017. During a press release with the Deputy Director of Special Crimes of South Sumatra Police, AKBP Witdiardi, and Prabumulih Police Chief, AKBP Endro Aribowo SIK MH, it was revealed that ZN did not work in any government-owned health facility in Prabumulih City.
“During the examination, it was found that ZN’s educational certificates for D1, D3, D4, and S2, along with her registration certificate (STR) and midwifery practice license (SPIN), were no longer valid. She should not have been practicing medical or health services for the public,” Commissioner Pol Sunarto stated on Monday (May 20, 2024).
ZN admitted to running an independent midwifery practice without official permission, despite having received a warning from the Prabumulih Health Office. “ZN continued her practice even after receiving a warning letter dated March 18, 2021. We also secured evidence including the warning letter, medications, medical equipment, medical staff uniforms, patient medical records, a midwifery practice signboard, and a patient bed,” added Commissioner Pol Sunarto.
Although ZN has been named a suspect, she has not been detained as the investigation is still ongoing. “Currently, ZN is still undergoing examination by our officers,” said the Public Relations Head.
In their investigation, the police have questioned 13 witnesses, including health workers, pharmacy staff, patients, family members, and local village officials, as well as three expert witnesses from the fields of criminal law, the Ministry of Health’s Human Resources Directorate, and the South Sumatra Health Office. They concluded that ZN violated Articles 441(1), 441(2), 312, and 439 of Indonesian Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health.
“The suspect faces a penalty of 5 years in prison and a fine of IDR 500 million,” Commissioner Pol Sunarto concluded.
This case has drawn public attention due to its impact on community health and the importance of enforcing regulations against unauthorized medical practices. The Prabumulih Police are committed to thoroughly investigating this case to ensure safe and legal health services for the public.