A hospital in Indonesia opted not to treat two women going into labour due to a lack of beds and personal protective equipment amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Diana Hendri Rahayu, 26, was turned away from Madina hospital in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, as they did not accept patients during the coronavirus pandemic. The 26-year-old was then taken to another hospital where she was again turned away as they had no room.

Fortunately, Rahayu was taken to a private clinic where she gave birth to a healthy baby boy on April 29.

Another pregnant woman, Sri Mahayu, 33, was turned away from Indonesian Army Hospital due to fears she had contracted COVID-19.

Mahayu's sister Ema Malini said: "The nurse said that childbirth cannot be processed here. We were told to go to another hospital because the membranes had broken. In both hospitals, there is a tool to detect contracted COVID-19 or not."

They then went to a private clinic in the suburbs where Mahayu gave birth to a healthy baby boy on May 2.

After the ordeal, the Bukittinggi branch of the Indonesian Midwives Association apologised.

Bukittinggi's Mayor Ramlan Nurmatias asked pregnant women to follow hospital services procedures.

Two pregnant Indonesian women are rejected give birth in hospital as midwives and obstetricians lacked Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from the coronavirus outbreak spreading.

Fortunately, midwives in the suburbs willing to help in childbirth so that mothers and babies born are healthy and safe.

First case experienced by Diana Hendri Rahayu (26 y.o), a resident of Bukittinggi, West Sumatra on Wednesday, April 29. She was taken by her husband Danang Sauri (27 y.o) to 4 midwife practice, but was rejected as the clinic closed and didnt accept patients during the emergency COVID-19.

Then Diana was taken to hospital. Hospital emergency medical staff said Diana would not give birth, and then asking her to go to another hospital as they were on standby with coronavirus and the room was full.

"My wife was rejected to give birth at hospital the reason is because of corona, he said the room was also full," Danang said.

In confusion, Danang took his wife home on foot 600 meters. Luckily when he got home, Diana was finally taken to private practice midwife in suburbs. About half an hour later Diana gave birth to a baby boy weighing 2.7 kg and length 45 cm. Baby was given name Harun Ramadan.

Second case experienced by Sri Mahayu (33 y.o) Bukittinggi residents. In the midst of enactment of Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB), her pregnancy that had ruptured the membranes that was about to give birth on Saturday (May 2), had to undergo a lengthy procedure in hospital to prevent the coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading.

Ema Malini, Sri's sister said, initially the process was smooth. But then medical officer canceled the service allegedly because Sri's husband who worked in Duri, Riau province which is an area infected with COVID-19.

Although she said the last physical contact with her husband was 1.5 months ago, Sri was still asked to give birth at another hospital.

"Nurse said that childbirth cannot be processed here. We were told to go to another hospital because the membranes had broken. In both hospitals there is a tool to detect contracted COVID-19 or not," Ema said.

Sri and Ema finally went to private practice midwife in suburbs, and didnt go to doctor recommended for fear of going through a long process. A few hours later Sri gave birth to a baby boy weighing 3.3 kg and 48 cm length.

After the case, the Bukittinggi branch of the Indonesian Midwives Association apologized. The Chairperson of IBI Bukittinggi, Paulina explained that currently most of the health services in Bukittingi are indeed being wary of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, midwives also lack personal protective equipment (PPE).

Responding to both cases, Bukittinggi Mayor Ramlan Nurmatias claimed to be tracing the case and coordinating with the health department.

Mayor Ramlan asked that pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic continue to follow hospital service procedures. Pregnant women are asked to give birth at recommended hospitals as they have complete medical equipment and adequate PPE.


Pregnant women in Indonesia are rejected give birth in hospitals amid coronavirus outbreak