Why Jakarta’s Hospitals Are Turning into a One‑Man Show
Erlina Burhan, a pulmonologist who’s been fighting the flu‑like COVID inside Jakarta’s walls for months, can’t help but sigh. “It’s crazy, really crazy,” she told Reuters. “We’ve got more patients, fewer people to treat them.”
Even though the 95 % of Indonesian health workers are fully vaccinated—mostly with China’s Sinovac shot—something’s going wrong.
Erika’s Reality Check
- Almost all staff are vaccinated with Sinovac, but 131 healthcare workers have died since June, with 50 in July alone.
- Half of these casualties are doctors who faced undue risk while carrying out their duties.
- Rumors are swirling that the Delta variant is out performing the vaccine.
Even though most infected nurses and doctors show only mild symptoms, thousands have had to isolate—some for as short as five days because they’re simply too needed at work.
Doctors Sound the Alarm
A Reuters survey found 10% of hospital staff in major Java cities tested positive for COVID. That’s a lot of isolated staff plus a massive increase in patients needing hospitals—up to 3‑5 times more in the last month.
- More than 31,000 new cases a day translates into a tsunami of admissions.
- Hospitals are stretched to capacity; oxygen is scarce, and beds are all but taken up by patients strapped onto IV drips in parking lots.
“The Future Isn’t Bright”
- Dr. Eka, one of the hospital directors, says that even if the government promises 8,000 more beds… without staff, what’s the point?
- Public health experts warn Indonesia could become the next India—a country that suffered an overwhelming overload in 2020.
- The OECD ranks Indonesia at the bottom of Asia‑Pacific for doctors per 1,000 people—just half of India’s figure.
Small Healing Helpers
To cover gaps, hospitals are recruiting “volunteers”: pharmacists, radiographers, and even medical students on modest pay. Though it sounds noble, many say it’s not a long‑term fix.
One anonymous hospital executive voiced their frustration: “We just can’t rely on students or volunteers to manage Covid patients.”
Sinovac – The Public Health Paradox
- Indonesians turned to Sinovac because it was the most readily available vaccine from China.
- In February and March, it saved most health workers and dramatically reduced deaths. In January, 158 doctors died; by May, the deaths dropped to just 13.
- However, by June to the present, at least 30 doctors have died.
Doctors Weigh In
Dr. Eka Julianta Wahjoepramono (a neurologist who’s fully vaccinated with Sinovac) reported severe COVID symptoms last month. He added: “Many colleagues didn’t see a sizable antibody boost.”
Sinovac’s spokesperson, Liu Peicheng, mentioned a three‑fold reduction in neutralising effect against Delta—yet they’re still pushing for a booster.
Government’s Response
- Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stresses that vaccine efficacy isn’t the core issue; he blames the Delta variant.
- The Medical Association calls for an immediate third dose for health workers.
- Some doctors are considering flying to the U.S. for alternative vaccines, but that’s out of reach for most.
“Is it time for a third shot?” Dr. Berlian Idriansyah Idris asked. “We refuse to pray for our own survival—we need actual protection.”
Email Snippets from the Frontlines
- “Don’t let us be the invisible workforce!”
- “I can’t sit in a hospital alone, please help.”
- “A booster could change this.”
