Gov’t Boosts Medicines, Medical Devices Supply as COVID-19 Cases Spike

Spokesperson for the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Jodi Mahardi, Sunday (4/7). (Source: Screenshot of BNPB Youtube account)

The Government continues to optimize supply chain and distribution of medicine and medical devices to meet national demands for these items amidst the surge in COVID-19 cases.

“The measure aims to meet the needs for pharmaceutical products and medical devices, especially for products with a high demand,” said Spokesperson for Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Jodi Mahardi, Sunday (4/7).

For this matter, Jodi added, Ministry of Health continues to coordinate with a number of parties, including Ministry of Industry, the Government Goods/Services Procurement Policy Institute (LKPP), and the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) to accelerate the fulfillment of the needs nationally through the domestic pharmaceutical and medical equipment industry.

In addition, he added, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan as the Coordinator for the Emergency Public Activity Restrictions (PPKM Darurat) has also asked the Attorney General’s Office and the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) to oversee the program to accelerate the procurement of pharmaceutical and medical equipment during this period.

“This is a critical period. Do not use this critical time for personal benefit. I remind that punishment awaits those who violate the law and exploit this emergency time for personal interest,” he stressed.

Jodi also reminded all parties not to hoard medicines and medical equipment amid high demand, especially medicines and medical equipment for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

“For those who are not facing a critical situation in treating COVID-19 patients, do not hoard oxygen as we prioritize saving the lives of the people in need. Distributors and perpetrators of hoarding oxygen and essential drugs for COVID-19 treatment are the enemy of the society and there will be punishments await,” he said.

The Government, Jodi added, will also continue to make optimum measures to meet oxygen demand by prioritizing domestic industries.

For patient treatment, the Government, he added, has also prepared new field hospitals at several critical points in various regions and tents owned by the police, the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), ministries, and institutions that will be set up throughout the islands of Java and Bali.

“The Government is currently preparing several places for handling COVID-19 patients, including the Nagrak Flats, the Pasar Rumput Flats, the Athlete’s House, and the Hajj dormitory. The designation of these facilities will be determined by Ministry of Health and the COVID-19 Handling Task Force based on the criteria for the urgency of handling COVID-19 patients,” he added.

On that occasion, Jodi also expressed belief that all Indonesian people are ready to help each other in tackling this pandemic, including by complying with and implementing Emergency PPKM.

“Stay at home. Always wear a mask. Double mask is better. Wash hands regularly and follow health protocols. Stay united against COVID-19. May God protect and heal our nation,” he said. (TGH/UN) (EST/EP)