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Hyperbaric chamber explosion considered a consumer rights violation
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A patient enters a hyperbaric chamber at the Mintohardjo Navy Hospital in Jakarta on May 31, 2006. One of the chambers located at the hospital exploded on Monday, killing four people.
(kompas/Lasti Kurnia)
T
he explosion of the hyperbaric oxygen therapy cylinder at the Mintohardjo Navy Hospital in Jakarta on Monday could be considered a violation against the right of consumers, especially the right to safety and security, says a consumer organization.
"There are two parties that should be responsible for the accident – the hospital management and the professional workers involved," Indonesian Consumer Foundation (YLKI) chairman Tulus Abadi said on Wednesday.
YLKI urged the Health Ministry to provide an explanation to the public regarding whether the method of therapy conducted at the Navy hospital had met the medical service standard.
Currently, an investigation into the explosion is being carried out by a joint team comprising officers from the Navy, Jakarta Police and members of the Indonesian Hyperbaric Medical Association.
YLKI also demanded that the hospital supervisory agency take part in the investigation and reveal the result to the general public.
The hospital and other relevant parties have to provide compensation to the victims and their families because it is the right of patients to be provided with compensation if any accidents arise, including those in hospital, Tulus said.
The police have yet to announce details of the investigation.
"Two therapy operators remain hospitalized and cannot be questioned due to their condition. Therefore, the investigation is yet to see a result," Navy spokesperson Comr. M. Zainuddin told thejakartapost.com on Wednesday, adding that both operators were also victims of the incident. (bbn)
