We want the public to recover from COVID-19. We do not want the public to be (worried) by the issues of low stock of medications
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Free packages of medicines and vitamins allocated to COVID-19 patients currently undergoing self-isolation were aimed at dispelling public concerns, according to State Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir.

"We are tasked with supplying and ensuring 300 thousand packages that have been promoted. Obviously, this is to ensure that the (government) is here for the people. We want the public to recover from COVID-19. We do not want the public to be (worried) by the issues of low stock of medications," Thohir stated at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday.

The minister made the statement at an event to mark the launching of free packages of self-Isolation medications for people, led by President Joko Widodo. Some 300 thousand packages of medicines and vitamins are currently being distributed to those undergoing self-isolation in Java and Bali.

The first package contains vitamins for asymptomatic patients with positive PCR results; second package contains vitamins and medications for patients reporting symptoms, such as fever and anosmia; while third package contains vitamins and medications for patients with symptoms, such as fever and dry cough.

Thohir encouraged the public to exercise patience, as the medications were being allocated. With the assistance of the National Defense Forces, the packages would be delivered with strict compliance to the standard operating procedures outlined by the Ministry and National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM).

The minister clarified that the people can still purchase medicines if the need arises, despite the free medicine packages being distributed.

"We, along with Ministry of Health, have launched a website of the Ministry of Health, so the public can monitor the availability of medicines at Kimia Farma or the SOE ministry," Thohir added.

Furthermore, Thohir noted that state-owned pharmacies would continue to produce medications that adhere to standards set by the Ministry of Health and BPOM.

"Yesterday, the Ministry of Health said that some medicines can now be accessed by the general public. We first and foremost prioritize the availability of medicines for the public, and the notion is supported by many ministries," he affirmed.

The minister reminded that the availability of medicines was the collective responsibility of all pharmacies, either state-owned or private.

Related news: President to unveil free COVID-19 medicine packages on Thursday

"We want to ensure that generic medicines (are sold) at a price below the market rate, but we do not want to compete with parties that want to fix the system to ensure the production of medicines," he expounded.

According to Thohir, state-owned pharmacies have mass produced four types of COVID-19 medications, such as oseltamivir, paviravir, and remdesivir.

Thohir also noted that similar attempts were being made for Tocilizumab medications, which are in high demand. They are working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the nation obtains the requisite license to produce the medications.

According to data from COVID-19 Response Acceleration Task Force on July 14, 2021, Indonesia recorded 2,670,046 cases of COVID-19, with 54,517 others within a 24-hour period. It is the highest daily record since March 2020. Currently, there are 443,473 active cases.

A total of 20,123 people recovered, thereby bringing the total recovery count to 2,157,363.

On the other hand, 869 people succumbed to COVID-19, with the number of deaths reaching 69,210.

Related news: Task force blames COVID spike on poor compliance with health protocols




Translator: Desca L N, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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