"This has been going on for long as long as 12-13 years. Therefore, it should be thoroughly investigated," the president said.Bogor, W Java (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo has passed order to Health Minister Nila F Moeloek and police chief Gen. Badrodin Haiti to get into the root of the case of alleged production and sales of false baby vaccines.
"This has been going on for long as long as 12-13 years. Therefore, it should be thoroughly investigated," the president said here on Tuesday describing the alleged crime as extra ordinary.
Until Tuesday police have arrested 16 suspects charged with producing and selling false vaccines in a number of areas mainly in Jakarta and nearby areas.
From the suspects, police pried out information that a number of dispensaries and drug stores were involved in selling the false vaccine product.
The president said production of the false vaccine is a crime threatening the countrys future generations.
The president asked the law enforcement agencies to mete out the heaviest punishment on the perpetrators to serve as a deterrent.
"Give them the heaviest punishment both the producers and the sales agents.
"What would happen to our children. This is very dangerous. It is an extraordinary crime," he said.
The Drug and Food Supervisory Agency (BPOM) said false vaccines have been found sold in various areas in Indonesia including Semarang of Central Java and Pekanbaru of Riau.
In Semarang, the drug and food watchdog found vaccines without circulation license and expiry date.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
