If our per capita health spending in the next five years is the same as Malaysia, at US$300, multiplied by our population of 270 million people, then it will reach US$81 billion. If 40 percent of it is spent on medicines, then the potential revenue uJakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's health industry's revenues will potentially increase to US$32 billion annually if per capita health expenditure climbs to US$300, from US$112, of which 40-50 percent is spent on medicines, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated.
"If our per capita health spending in the next five years is the same as Malaysia, at US$300, multiplied by our population of 270 million people, then it will reach US$81 billion. If 40 percent of it is spent on medicines, then the potential revenue upside for the health industry will be US$32 billion," he remarked.
To realize the potential, the government will encourage the procurement of state goods during the 2022-2023 period from domestic industries, including the pharmaceutical industry, he noted during the launch of the change source facility for the use of domestic raw materials in the production of drugs in South Cikarang, West Java, on Thursday.
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He further remarked that Indonesia had successfully relinquished its dependence on imported povidone iodine, the raw material for the production of antiseptic used to disinfect the skin and eyes, among others.
"Povidone iodine is used for the production of antiseptic. Earlier, we imported 100 percent of the (povidone iodine needs). Now, we can buy it domestically," he stated.
Povidone iodine is produced by PT Kimia Farma Sungwun Pharmachopia Delta Silicone 1 in Lippo Cikarang, West Java, he remarked.
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Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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