It must be ensured that these 1.5 million (healthcare workers) receive the vaccine first, as they are at the forefront of immunization or mass vaccination
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government is designating top priority to vaccinating 1.5 million medical personnel against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Erick Thohir, chairperson of the Committee for COVID-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery, stated.

"It must be ensured that these 1.5 million (healthcare workers) receive the vaccine first, as they are at the forefront of immunization or mass vaccination," Thohir, concurrently state-owned enterprises (BUMN) minister, stated after a meeting with the Executive Board of the Indonesian Doctors Association (PB IDI) and the Indonesian National Nurses Association (PPNI) here on Thursday.

Thohir remarked that the figure was still being estimated. It is still being consolidated with the IDI, PPNI, and the Indonesian Midwives Association.

"Earlier, we obtained the criteria for doctors and nurses, as there are doctors from different disciplines, such as pulmonologists and heart doctors," he remarked.

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The minister believes that the data from IDI and PPNI is crucial to ensuring that the medical team on the frontlines is accorded top priority.

"We seek IDI's input, so that we do not commit mistakes in collecting data, including nurses. When the raw materials can be produced, we will give them priority, as they are on the forefront," Thohir stated.

The minister emphasized that healthcare workers were Indonesia's strength and pillars to conduct immunizations or mass vaccinations at the start of next year or the end of 2020.

On the occasion, Thohir also stated that vaccination was conducted through two schemes: government assistance and independent vaccines.

PB IDI Chairman Daeng M. Faqih remarked that his association remains committed to working with the committee in conducting vaccinations.

"When the time comes for vaccine administration on the field, we will coordinate with the district and also sub-district levels," he added.

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Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati
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