"The 10 vials that arrived today will be distributed to all government referral hospitals that are treating the patients," he said at a press conference in Jakarta.
On October 10 and 18, 2022, the government imported 20 vials of the antidote, Fomepizole, from Singapore. The antidote was administered to acute kidney injury patients at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM), Jakarta.
Meanwhile, 16 antidote vials obtained from Australia were administered to patients at referral hospitals in Padang, Surabaya, Medan, and Aceh.
"Thus, 30 antidote vials have arrived in Indonesia from Singapore, and 16 from Australia," he noted.
Related news: Some 200 vials of Fomepizole imported for 69 AKI patients
According to the ministry, 269 cases of acute kidney injury have been recorded in Indonesia as of October 26. The figure reflects an increase of 18 cases compared to October 24.
Fifteen of the additional 18 cases were based on reporting from the end of September to mid-October, he informed.
Meanwhile, 3 new cases were detected after the government banned the sale and use of syrup medicines at health services, health service facilities, and pharmacies across Indonesia.
Of the total 269 patients with acute kidney injury, 73 are still being treated, 157 have died, and 39 have recovered.
"We are collaborating with various parties, especially the health services and hospitals, including the Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI), in conducting surveillance of all districts/cities to record the cases of acute kidney disorder,” Syahril disclosed.
Earlier, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that Fomepizole will be provided free of charge to acute kidney injury patients.
After receiving the antidote injection, the condition of the patients has shown an improvement, with some of them remaining stable. Sadikin said that patients, who were initially unable to urinate and started dialysis treatment with no improvement, have shown progress after receiving the Fomepizole injection.
The minister informed that each patient is expected to receive one vial with 1.5 grams or 1.5 ml injection dose.
Related news: Acute kidney disease cases in Indonesia increase to 269: Ministry
Related news: Govt acts swiftly in handling acute kidney injury cases: ministry
Translator: Sugiharto Purnama, Resinta S
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
