"With Indonesia's large population, we should be able to manage blood resources through the plasma fractionation industry. This is a form of the nation's independence in domestic blood products," Effendy added here on Wednesday.
At the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the provision of plasma fractionation raw materials at the Indonesia Red Cross (PMI) building in Jakarta, he lauded PMI's active role in handling COVID-19 by collecting and distributing convalescent plasma for patients' treatment.
He said the collection and distribution of convalescent plasma saved thousands of lives.
Plasma fractionation separates the essential contents in blood plasma, such as proteins and antibodies, to treat serious health problems.
Blood plasma can be used to treat rare chronic conditions, including autoimmune disorders and hemophilia.
"I remember very well how thousands of Indonesian lives were saved through convalescent plasma donors during the COVID-19 pandemic. I really appreciate PMI's performance in collecting and distributing the convalescent plasma," the minister said.
Blood plasma has also been used to treat people in past outbreaks such as the 2009 swine flu, Ebola, SARS, and MERS.
With the MoU signing, it is hoped that the government, industry players, and the community can work hand in hand to support the revival of the pharmaceutical industry in Indonesia, he said.
"I believe this is a big leap toward a healthy, strong, and resilient Indonesia," he added.
PMI chairperson Jusuf Kalla said that he is committed to helping the government improve blood services in the country by signing MoUs with companies appointed by the Health Ministry.
The Health Ministry has appointed PT Daewong Infion-SK Plasma as a plasma fractionation facility and PT Triman-Green Cross Biopharma as a plasma management company.
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Translator: Lintang P, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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