Investigation Into Internship Doctor’s Death Reveals Excessive Workload and Schedule Manipulation

The death of intern doctor Myta Aprilia Azmy at RSUD KH Daud Arif in Jambi on May 1, 2026, has exposed systemic failures in Indonesia’s medical training system, with investigations revealing excessive workloads, alleged manipulation of working hours and a culture of overwork and mistreatment. The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has confirmed that Myta’s death was likely caused by overwork and illness, following a timeline of deteriorating health and ignored pleas for rest.

Myta, a graduate of the Faculty of Medicine at Sriwijaya University, began her internship at Puskesmas Kuala Tungkal II in August 2025 and was later transferred to the emergency department (IGD) at RSUD KH Daud Arif on February 11, 2026. According to the Ministry of Health, Myta was in good health at the start of her internship, but her condition began to decline in late March 2026, with symptoms including fever, cough, and cold. Despite her illness, she continued to work, including night shifts.

By April 15, 2026, Myta’s health had worsened significantly. In a voice note to a colleague, she admitted she was too weak to continue her morning shift and requested to be replaced. The following day, she received an infusion for her persistent symptoms, but her condition continued to deteriorate. Myta was eventually transferred to the ICU at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Hospital in Palembang, where she died on May 1, 2026.

Investigations by the Ministry of Health have uncovered evidence of manipulated work schedules and violations of maximum working hours. Acting Inspector General Rudi Supriatna Nata Saputra revealed that a supervising doctor, identified only by initials “J,” allegedly instructed interns to alter attendance records to conceal overwork. According to regulations, interns in the emergency department should work no more than 12 hours per day, but evidence suggests that Myta and others were forced into longer shifts, sometimes exceeding 24 hours without adequate rest.

Kemenkes has stated that the manipulation of schedules was intended to cover up violations of the maximum 48-hour workweek limit for interns. The Ministry has also confirmed that Myta was subjected to a heavy workload without proper breaks, consistent with broader reports of bullying and overwork in Indonesia’s medical training system. The Ministry’s investigation team, comprising officials from the Inspectorate General, the Directorate General of Human Resources for Health, and the Directorate General of Advanced Health, is conducting a comprehensive review of medical records, internship processes, and witness statements.

In response to the death, the Ministry has expressed deep condolences to Myta’s family and colleagues, and has warned that hospitals found to be negligent in their treatment of interns could face severe sanctions, including suspension of their operating licenses. The Ministry has also called for a thorough overhaul of the internship program to address systemic issues, including excessive workloads and inadequate supervision.

The case has drawn attention to the broader challenges faced by young doctors in Indonesia, where exhaustion, overwork, and mistreatment are common. The Ministry’s findings underscore the urgent need for reform to protect the health and well-being of future medical professionals.