President Jokowi Calls for Strict Supervision in Free Medicine Packages Distribution for Self-Isolated Patients

The launch of free medicine packages for self-isolated people, at the front yard of the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (15/7). (Source: Screenshot of Presidential Secretariat YouTube Channel)

In a bid to ease the burden of those affected by the ongoing pandemic, the Government has launched free medicine packages for self-isolated people.

“In order to reduce the rate of COVID-19 transmission, the emergency PPKM policy is a must. The Government continually strives to lower the burden of those affected. Therefore, the Government will provide assistance starting today in the form of basic necessities, staple food, the Family Hope Program (PKH) and Cash Social Assistance, as well as vitamin and medicine packages,” President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said after the launch of the treatment packages at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (15/7).

The President revealed that the package of vitamins and COVID-19 therapeutic medicines will be distributed to areas with the greatest vulnerability to the disease.

“For the current stage, 300 thousand packages will be distributed for those self-isolated people in the islands of Java and Bali. Afterwards, another 300 thousand packages will be distributed for those living outside Java,” he said.

Three types of medicine packages that will be consumed by self-isolation patients for seven days are as follows:

Package 1, comprising several vitamins, would be administered to asymptomatic patients (OTG).

Package 2, comprising vitamins and medicines, would be administered to patients with symptoms of fever and loss of sense of smell (anosmia).

“Package 2 that consists of vitamins and medicine will be distributed to residents with positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results and complaints of fever and loss of smell. For this package, it requires consultation and prescription from a doctor, especially doctors at health centers,” the President said.

Package 3, comprising vitamins and medicine, would be administered to patients with fever and cough symptoms.

“Lastly, Package 3 that consists of vitamins and medicine will be distributed to residents with positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results and complaints of fever and dry cough. This package also requires consultation and prescription from a doctor,” he said.

The Head of State also pointed out that the therapeutic drug packages for self-isolated patients were produced by a state-owned company engaged in the pharmaceutical sector. Meanwhile, the distribution will be coordinated by Commander of the Indonesian National Defense forces (TNI) in collaboration with regional governments up until village administrations and it will also involve health centers, the military village supervisory officer (babinsa), and neighborhood-community units.

“I order that strict supervision be carried out on the ground so that this program can certainly reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread and help treat people suffering from COVID-19,” he said.

The President also reminded that the program does not hamper the availability of essential medicines for COVID-19 therapy in pharmacies or hospitals, while asserting that the free medicine package for self-isolation patients is not for sale. (TGH/UN) (RIF/MUR)