The number of health services in several regions had significantly increased, be it additional hospital beds or supporting facilitiesJakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) felt a sense of pride and gratitude for the hard work and dedication of doctors, nurses, and other health workers.
"We also take pride in and are thankful for the hard work and dedication of the doctors, nurses, and other health workers," Jokowi noted during his state address at the annual session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) at the Parliamentary Complex,here, Monday.
The president drew attention to the promising improvement in health services provided by both the government and private sector.
"The number of health services in several regions had significantly increased, be it additional hospital beds or supporting facilities," the head of state remarked.
Jokowi drew attention to the major drawback of the country’s pharmaceutical, vaccine, and medical equipment industries yet to attain self-sufficiency that should be jointly addressed.
However, the president noted that the pandemic had spurred development of our domestic pharmaceutical industry, including of Red-and-White vaccines as well as medical oxygen.
The availability and affordability of medicines should be guaranteed and a zero-tolerance approach applies to anyone hindering the country’s humanitarian and national missions, according to Jokowi.
Related news: Jokowi highlights Indonesia's high and lows in pursuit of independence
Related news: Jokowi likens pandemic to fire during annual speech
Moreover, Jokowi accentuated the government’s continued efforts to deploy all resources to secure vaccine supplies to meet the national demand.
However, concurrently, Indonesia has also left no stone unturned in providing equitable access to vaccines for all nations since the battle against COVID-19 will be futile if unequal access to vaccines still persists.
"Through vaccine diplomacy, we have shown the world that Indonesia continues to actively 'participate toward the establishment of a world order based on freedom, perpetual peace, and social justice,'" the president stated.
During the MPR Annual Session, the Joint Session of the DPR/DPD RI, and the President's State Speech in the context of submitting the Bill on the 2022 State Budget, President Jokowi wore traditional clothing of the Baduy tribe.
The meeting was held offline and online, with the attendance list showing 311 of the 363 legislative members having attended the event.
Related news: Government has striven continually to secure vaccine supplies: Jokowi
Related news: Being healthy is a shared agenda for all: President Jokowi
Translator: Desca L, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
