Wirotomo said while confirming the statement of Indonesian President Joko Widodo during the 2021 People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Annual Session of the independence of the pharmaceutical industry.
"The independence of the pharmaceutical industry, which the president was referring to, is the achievement of the Indonesian pharmaceutical industry, including PT Bio Farma (Persero)," Abraham noted in a KSP press release here on Tuesday.
President Jokowi, in his speech at the 2021 MPR Annual Session, Monday (August 16), highlighted the positive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in terms of the independence of the pharmaceutical industry, such for drugs and vaccines, and medical devices that remain a cause of concern for the nation.
According to the head of state, the pandemic had accelerated development of the domestic pharmaceutical industry, including of the 'Red-White' vaccine and medical oxygen.
Wirotomo explained that the president’s statement pertained to the achievements of the country's pharmaceutical industry, including of PT Bio Farma (Persero), as a state-owned pharmaceutical company.
He noted that Bio Farma had succeeded in boosting the production capacity of COVID-19 vaccines in accordance with global standards based on the assessment of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi).
"Thus, Bio Farma has the capacity to produce 250 million COVID-19 vaccines," he remarked.
On the other hand, based on the Ministry of Health's records, at least 358 medical devices are produced domestically, while 79 medical devices are substitutes for imported products.
"This demonstrates that domestic medical device manufacturers can meet the needs of the domestic market and replace imported products," he affirmed.
Related news: Jokowi invites parties to conduct massive reform of health system
Related news: Govt readies tax breaks for pharma research
Translator: Rangga Pandu, Raka Adji
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
