Consumer Legal Protection for Patients and the Quality of Health Services in Hospitals

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Health development is part of Indonesia’s national development. It is implemented by creating a social security system run by the Social Security Administrator for Health (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial Kesehatan/BPJS Health) based on Law No. 24 of 2011. AIM: This study analyzes the legal protection for BPJS health participants who are hospital inpatients. It also discusses their rights and obligations that are yet unfulfilled. METHODS: This research uses the juridical doctrinal or normative method. This is descriptive research with a qualitative approach. RESULTS: As patients, BPJS health participants’ rights are legally protected by Law No. 36 of 2009 on Health and Law No. 44 of 2009 on Hospitals. Unfortunately, some participants often experience problems when they require hospitalization. For instance, there is usually a lack of information on the provision of treatment rooms. Another issue is that the BPJS patients often only obtain a 3-day hospitalization facility as the fee allocation from BPJS health has run out. CONCLUSION: Thus, it is concluded that there is adequate legal protection for BPJS health patients who are hospitalized both as consumers and as BPJS health participants. However, there are still issues with its application. The participants who feel harmed by the treatment may file a lawsuit on consumer protection concerning the inadequate services or a lawsuit on malpractice if there are violations.