"We have agreed to ease several existing regulations and also implement technical operational guidelines for managing village pharmacies and clinics in Merah Putih Cooperatives," Deputy Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono remarked on Tuesday (August 12).
He explained that village pharmacies and clinics not only provide healthcare services at the village level but also serve as instruments for economic empowerment through cooperatives.
"We expect the Minister of Health's regulation to be issued by the end of this month, followed by licensing from the Ministry of Investment for pharmacies and village clinics management," he remarked.
In addition, the process of issuing operating permits for pharmacies and village clinics will be carried out collectively, as directed by President Prabowo Subianto.
"It is best to issue permits all at once. The health ministry does not have to issue them individually. The president wants everything to be completed quickly, so we must expedite the process. Through the existing technical guidelines, we will intensify public outreach efforts," Juliantono stated.
Going forward, his ministry would conduct extensive outreach regarding the new Health Ministry regulations on operating guidelines for village pharmacies and clinics.
The new regulation is expected to enable village cooperatives to sell medicines and offer healthcare services at lower prices compared to those outside the cooperatives' network.
According to Juliantono, village clinics will operate as extensions of community health centers (Puskesmas), providing health services such as general check-ups, immunizations, basic medical treatment, and home visits.
Meanwhile, village pharmacies will ensure the availability of both generic and branded medications at more affordable prices than those in the general market.
"With a strong business model, regulatory support, and strategic partnerships, village clinics and pharmacies will be living proof that cooperatives can be an effective public service solution," Juliantono emphasized.
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Translator: Arnidhya Nur Z, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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