Jokowi Summons Ministers Over Drug Prices Five Times Higher than Malaysia
Jakarta. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin met with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo to address concerns over drug and medical equipment prices in Indonesia, which are reportedly five times higher than in neighboring Malaysia.
Accompanying Minister Budi was Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, summoned to strategize on the domestic pharmaceutical sector.
"The President emphasized two key points. Firstly, he urged for the alignment of medical devices and medicine prices with neighboring countries. Secondly, he stressed the need to fortify Indonesia's pharmaceutical and medical equipment industries against future pandemics," Minister Budi stated.
Factors contributing to the price hike, according to Budi, include inefficient trade routes, governance, and high taxes.
"We engaged Sri Mulyani to discuss tax reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and simplicity without compromising government revenue, crucial for fiscal sustainability," he added.
President Jokowi has set a two-week deadline to resolve these issues, addressing inefficiencies in trade routes and governance contributing to rising drug prices.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati assured that the Ministry would support and adjust to potential incentives for the pharmaceutical industry.
Tags: Keywords:Related Articles
'I’m Not Body Shaming': Health Minister Explains Viral Pant Size Comment
Budi explained that his intention was to help the public understand the dangers of abdominal obesity without relying on technical language.
What Made Indonesia Say Yes to Testing Bill Gates' TB Vaccine
Indonesia joins Phase 3 trials for Gates-backed TB vaccine M72, aiming to save lives and produce the shot locally by 2028.
Health Minister Slams High Cost and Bureaucracy of Medical Specialty Certification
A study by the University of Indonesia revealed that total specialty training costs could reach Rp 2.2 billion ($131,537).
Govt to Mandate Mental Health Screenings for Medical Residents After Sexual Assault Case
Indonesia to mandate mental health checks for medical residents after a rape case involving a Padjadjaran University doctor in training.
Health Minister Seeks KPK Oversight on Major Healthcare Projects
The Health Ministry has secured a Rp 60 trillion ($3.7 billion) loan from the World Bank to strengthen the country’s health infrastructure.
Health Minister Says BPJS Premiums ‘Must Increase’ Amid Rp 9 Trillion Deficit
BPJS Kesehatan Chairman Abdul Kadir revealed that the agency suffered a deficit of Rp 9.56 trillion ($583.5 million).
Health Ministry Has to Cut $1.2 Billion After Prabowo Orders Budget Trims
The Health Ministry initially gets to spend Rp 105.7 trillion this year.
Health Checks for All: A Historic Leap in Healthcare for Indonesia
This initiative, offering free medical check-ups to 280 million Indonesians, is a commitment to equity, dignity, and progress for all.
HMPV Not a Threat, Outbreak Reports Exaggerated: Health Ministry
The Health Ministry confirms Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been in Indonesia for years and is not deadly.
Indonesia to Have Another Vaccine Producer in Near Future
Indonesia so far already has three vaccine producers, including the state-run Biofarma.The Latest
Indonesia Plans 2,000-Ton Monthly Rice Exports to Malaysia
Indonesia’s potential to export rice stems from its abundant reserves, now nearly 4 million tons, managed by the State Logistics Agency.
Barcelona Clinches Its 28th La Liga Title as Yamal's Stunning Strike Seals Domestic Treble
It completed a domestic double with the Copa del Rey title -- treble if you add the Spanish Super Cup.
Rebels Kill Two Police Officers in Papua Motorcycle Ambush
Police blamed the ambush on a separatist group led by Ternus Enumbi, who is believed to be affiliated with the Free Papua Movement (OPM).
Other than Indorama’s $2 Billion Deal, Indonesia Lacks Appetite in US Investment
Purwakarta-based company Indorama plans to invest $2 billion in a blue ammonia project in Louisiana.
Chris Brown Arrested in UK for Alleged Attack at London Club in 2023
Brown was on a UK tour at the time of the incident. He is scheduled to tour the UK in June and July.Most Popular
