We have to develop the health industry to (help it) become massive so that we can build it (further) ourselves
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs believes the health industry will become a mainstay as the country enters a new normal era in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.



This is because, according to the ministry, the health sector is providing crucial life-saving services, besides absorbing a large workforce.



"We have to develop the health industry to (help it) become massive so that we can build it (further) ourselves," said Raden Pardede from the Assistance Team of Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs in Jakarta on Tuesday.



According to him, the coronavirus outbreak has helped ensure Indonesian citizens, especially those from the middle and upper economic echelons, do not overly rely on other countries for treatment.



Every year, Indonesians spend around Rp75-100 trillion on medical treatment in Singapore, Malaysia, and other countries, Raden Pardede revealed.



With strict restrictions and rules enforced on traveling abroad due to the coronavirus, an opportunity has been presented to Indonesia to develop its health industry, he said.



Globally, household expenditure on health needs is expected to increase to US$1 trillion, he pointed out.



This rise in demand must be used as an opportunity by businesses in Indonesia to expand exports, especially of pharmaceutical and medical devices, and preparations for such a move must be made from now on, he advised.



In addition, the number of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that sell health-related necessities and utilize online services will also swell, he said.



Not only the health industry, he continued, the manufacturing industry, agriculture, in a broad sense, including oil palm plantations and mining will also become a mainstay in the new normal.



But, the industry is expected to experience the same constraints, namely, falling demand, he pointed out. (INE)


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Translator: Dewa Ketut, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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