President Jokowi: IDI Plays Pivotal Role to Improve Indonesian Health Status
Illustration: President Jokowi’s twitter account @Jokowi
The Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) plays a significant role in integrating the potentials of Indonesian doctors, developing medical science and technology, as well as improving health of Indonesian people through close cooperation with many stakeholders, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.
“I believe the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) cannot struggle alone. The IDI is part of an ecosystem where educational institutions, various kinds of professions, industrial sector, and others do exist,” the President said in his remarks at the virtual 70th Anniversary of the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI), Saturday (24/10).
According to the President, egocentrism among institutions must clearly be removed so that all related institutions will be able to cooperate closely in carrying out their respective duties in the working ecosystem.
“The pandemic has taught us many lessons, making us realize the weaknesses that should be fixed immediately. Therefore, this difficult situation we are facing can serve as a momentum to transform, including in reforming healthcare system in the country,” he said.
The President also said that healthcare reform program can start with a prevention measure, which is oriented towards disease prevention and a healthy lifestyle where support from the non-health sector, public awareness and discipline, and support from socio-religious organizations are needed.
However, he added, the Goverment must also continue strengthening the capacity of health human resources, developing hospitals and healthcare centers, as well as medicine and medical equipment industry.
The President also cited an example during the pandemic in which there have been many innovations developed by domestic researchers and innovators.
“There were several innovative products developed by our researchers and innovators, including rapid diagnostic testing kits, emergency ventilators, mobile biosafety labs equipped with PCRs, advanced technology using artificial intelligence for COVID-19 diagnosis, and the COVID Track application to help doctors monitor patient mobility. We are also speeding up clinical trials and mass production of the Merah Putih (Red and White) vaccine,” he said.
On that occasion, the President also said that the pandemic is also a momentum to improve resilience and capacity of national health services.
Extraordinary measures must be taken immediately to deal with various issues related to public health, ranging from communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, to the priority of reducing stunting in the country, he added.
In addition, the President continued, the opportunity for young doctors, particularly specialist doctors, to improve the quality of health across the country must also be pursued.
“I hope the IDI will be a part of the carriage for health system reform. The success of this reform is not only determined by the work of the government itself, but requires full support of professional organizations and the community. I believe, with the spirit of collaboration, we will be able to carry out health system transformation and benefit the community towards a healthy and prosperous society,” the President said.
The Head of State has extended his greetings to doctors who were on duty in remote regions and doctors who are currently struggling to treat COVID-19 patients.
“To all doctors who are members of the Indonesian Medical Association, Happy 70th Anniversary. Keep being the guardian of hope who fight for humanity,” he said. (BPMI-SETPRES / UN)
Translated by: Syarifah Aisyah
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas
