Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Vice President Ma'ruf Amin supports the development of a sharia-based health industry that he views as being increasingly necessary for the community.

"Health services that are in accordance with Islamic principles are increasingly needed. For this reason, the government encourages the development of the sharia health industry in Indonesia," he stated virtually at the 5th International Islamic Healthcare Conference And Expo (IHEX) 2023 in Jakarta, Friday.

At the seminar organized by the Indonesian Islamic Health Efforts Council (MUKISI), the vice president reminded that in building halal health services, related stakeholders should focus on ecosystem development.

"This development does not only cover sharia hospitals but also sharia health service ecosystems, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, halal food, and beverages," he remarked.

Vice President Amin also emphasized that the sharia health industry should be equipped with supporting services that also prioritize sharia values, such as human resources with sharia competence, sharia financing, and other supporting services that comply with halal standards.

On this occasion, he lauded MUKISI for its role in having encouraged the establishment of 31 hospitals, with sharia status, and 72 Islamic hospitals committed to having sharia competence.

"This achievement should be continued to reach 500 Islamic hospitals throughout the country," the vice president remarked.

Moreover, he urged MUKISI to consistently and continuously provide education and literacy regarding sharia health services for the community.

"I ask MUKISI to consistently conduct the dissemination of information and education, increase public literacy and awareness about sharia health services, and expand collaboration to further strengthen the national sharia health ecosystem," he affirmed.

The vice president also supported the 2023 IHEX that coincided with the launch of the first Sharia Clinic and Laboratory in Indonesia.

He noted that the breakthrough was a response to the increase in public interest and the need to access Sharia health services.

Vice President Amin expressed hope that the Sharia clinic and laboratory would provide quality services in accordance with the sharia principles.

Meanwhile, Chairman of MUKISI, Masyhudi AM explained that earlier, MUKISI had prioritized developing sharia hospitals in Indonesia with a certification process, but currently, the focus is shifting to building a national sharia health ecosystem.

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Translator: Rangga Pandu A J, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
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