Prof. Dr. Guslihan Dasa Tjipta, Sp.A(K)., representing the Faculty of Medicine USU professors, urged the President to replace the current Minister of Health immediately. This call to action was delivered during the "Bersuara Luruskan Nurani Bangsa" (A Voice to Straighten the Nation's Conscience) forum, held again in the Meeting Room on the 1st Floor (Lobby 1) of the Faculty of Medicine USU on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
This forum continued the statement of concern held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The demand re-emerged due to deep disappointment with the Minister's policies and leadership style, which are deemed not in the people's best interest. Prof. Guslihan also delivered sharp criticism of Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin's leadership style, which is considered to disregard dialogue and participation from health stakeholders, including professional organizations and the academic world.
Prof. Guslihan was also disappointed with the Minister's decision to prioritize the procurement of high-cost medical equipment over basic services and medical education, which have not been well-managed.
"If it's like this, the current Minister of Health is more aptly called the Minister of Health Commerce. Because his focus is not on the service system, but on purchasing equipment and pursuing hospitals' financial targets," he stated firmly.
Other criticisms touched upon the Minister's performance, which is felt to interfere in medical education, where standards are independently structured and regulated by the medical profession's collegium.
This is seen as a weakening of academic authority and the professionalism of medical personnel. Prof. Guslihan called on President-elect Prabowo Subianto to act immediately because, without a change at the Ministry of Health, the quality of medical education and public health services is feared to decline further.
The Professors' Forum conveyed its concerns through an official letter, emphasizing that this is a moral responsibility, not an emotional reaction. They reject reforms that ignore dialogue, participation, and scientific principles. Health reform, they assert, must be based on data, professionalism, and social justice.
The forum also criticized the Ministry of Health's narrative, which divides the public and damages relationships with professional organizations. A total of 372 professors stated that they no longer have hope in Budi Gunadi Sadikin to lead national health reform.
"We appreciate President Prabowo's statement that respects the role of professors, but we also demand concrete steps in improving health policy. Health is a basic right of the people, not a market commodity, and we reject reforms that neglect access to and the quality of basic services," said Prof. Guslihan.