Jakarta (AsiaNews) - The national health system and hospitals of Catholic inspiration were the issues at the opening of the annual meeting of bishops in Indonesia (KWI), underway in Jakarta until 12 November. The bishops have called for authorities to "monitor closely" the services provided and ensure that they the names of saints or Christian references are not used in order to attract "patients" who end up being treated like "customers" resulting in the abuse of  their good faith.

In the presence of 38 prelates Indonesian Fr. CB Kusmaryanto, professor of moral theology and a priest of the Order of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, presented a paper entitled "Spirituality and medical morality of modern medical technology." Among the most malicious phenomena of "misleading advertising", the cleric cited the use of the word "customers" instead of "patients" and warns: "We must be informed about Catholic hospitals that pursue only profit, instead of offering a good public service". 

A concern confirmed by Msgr. Johannes Pujasumarta Pr, Bishop of Bandung, who has called for an investigation of the "services provided" in places of care. In Indonesia, in fact, many public hospitals intentionally use names of the saints as patrons, a practice that makes them very popular and allows them to earn hundreds of new customers. A malpractice, that of calling patients "clients", which according to Fr. Kusmaryanto is taking root even in the Christian institutions. Bishop Pujasumarta recalls that "providing a public health service is an effective way to preach the Gospel", safeguarde "moral values" and help "the needy".  

A call to uphold Christian values in the health sector also comes from Msgr. Leopoldo Girelli, apostolic nuncio to Indonesia, who recalls the duty to honour human life "from conception to death." A most pressing issue in modern day medicine in which many seek to derive profits from illness.  

The opening Mass of the meeting was attended by Msgr. Martinus Dogma Situmorang, president of the Bishops Conference, Msgr. Bishop Sutrisnaatmaka, Bishop of Palangkaraya and secretary general Kwi, Stephen Agus, Director of General Affairs of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, as well as many other priests.