5 months ago
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin is still looking for a solution to the problem of high prices of medicines in Indonesia, stating that it is one of the focuses discussed with President Joko Widodo namalain Jokowi. The issue of expensive medicines is also being discussed with the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises, and the Ministry of Finance.
"But one thing we have noticed, which we already know, is that medicine prices are higher in Indonesia," Budi said after attending a working session of the DPR's Commission IX on Monday, July 8.
When asked what solution or policy would be taken, Budi said it was still under discussion. He said he would resolve the issue immediately. "Please be patient as we are still coordinating," he said.
Budi mentioned several factors that make medicine prices in Indonesia more expensive than in Malaysia or Singapore. However, he said more research was needed to determine the exact cause of high medicine prices in Indonesia.
"It could be taxes, it could be distribution, it could be governance. What we will do now is to assess how many of these issues contribute to the problem," he said.
Budi added that the Indonesian government would discuss the issue with the G20 and ASEAN countries. According to Budi, this needs to be done to find the right benchmark regarding the production costs of medicines and medical devices. "We will discuss this again with the G20 and ASEAN countries. Secondly, after we get the data, we will find out what the cause is," he said.
Earlier, Budi said President Jokowi had ordered to improvement of the healthcare industry system. One of Jokowi's priorities is the high price of medicines, which does not correspond to the conditions of the domestic health industry.
"The president also asked for the development of domestic medicines and medical equipment so that Indonesia can be more resilient in the event of another pandemic," Budi said after attending the closed-door meeting.
NANDITO PUTRA
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo in Google News
5 Top Milk Alternatives for People with Allergies or Preferences
5 hari lalu
Many people rely on milk, but allergies and other reasons can lead some to avoid it.
Jokowi Aims to Strengthen Health Industry, Maintain Medical Costs
6 hari lalu
Jokowi gave two weeks for his cabinet to coordinate on strengthening the Indonesian health system.
8 Side Effects of Excessive Caffeine Consumption
10 hari lalu
Excessive consumption of caffeine can have negative effects on your health.
BP Batam Proposes Health-Centered SEZ in Riau Islands
11 hari lalu
BP Batam proposed the establishment of a Health Tourism special economic zone (Health SEZ) centered in Sekupang and Nongsa.
World Falling Behind on Environment, Health and Hunger Goals, UN Report Says
20 hari lalu
The world is way off track on most of the sustainable development targets agreed in 2015, such as tackling poverty and hunger.
7 Herbal Plants That Can Optimize Weight Loss Program
23 hari lalu
Even though losing weight is not an easy matter, there is no harm in trying some herbal plants to help make your weight loss program more optimal.
Indonesia, Fiji Committed to Strengthen Health Cooperation
25 hari lalu
Indonesia handed over the donation of medical equipment worth FJD 428,000 to Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, Fiji's Minister of Health.
Indonesia, Cambodia Strengthen Health Cooperation Through Indonesia Health Fest 2024
27 hari lalu
IHF 2024 showcases a comprehensive exhibition of Indonesian and Cambodian health industries.
6 Health Benefits of Ginger Tea
30 hari lalu
Ginger has been used for thousands of years to cure illnesses and add flavor to food and beverages.
Indonesian Govt Approves 3 New Special Economic Zones for Health, Education, and Technology
39 hari lalu
The three Indonesian SEZs are located in Bumi Serpong Damai or BSD, Tangerang; Batam, Riau Islands; and Morowali, Central Sulawesi.
English (US) · 
Indonesian (ID) · 