Jakarta, Nov. 25 -- Indonesia's health ministry said Tuesday it will send a team to Papua to investigate the deaths of a pregnant woman and her unborn child after several hospitals allegedly refused to treat her.

Health Ministry Spokesperson Widyawati said investigators from the ministry's Directorate General of Referral Health Services will work with local authorities.

Hospitals found to have violated procedures could face sanctions.

"Refusing patients is a violation of the Health Law and can lead to criminal charges," she said in Jakarta.

She added that Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has repeatedly reminded hospitals they must not reject patients and must prioritize safety over administrative issues.

Irene Sokoy, a pregnant wo...