"I target to open 30 new medical faculties, God willing, to address the shortage of 70,000 specialists and 140,000 general practitioners," the president stated while inaugurating the Mahar Mardjono National Brain Hospital here on Tuesday (August 26).
The government will also introduce 148 new study programs at 57 medical faculties this year, comprising 125 specialist programmes and 23 sub-specialist programmes, he added.
"We need to increase the number of medical students and graduates," he emphasised.
However, even if Indonesia successfully achieves the target of opening new medical faculties and programs this year, Prabowo warned that the country would still need 35 more years to reach the ideal doctor-to-population ratio for its 280 million citizens.
Hence, the president instructed health authorities to work harder in addressing the shortage of medical specialists and general practitioners.
"The shortage of paramedics is happening worldwide. There is also a shortage in Europe and America. We need to work harder," he stated.
Prabowo affirmed that his government will ensure all Indonesians, including those in remote areas, can access quality medical and health services to improve their well-being.
He also stressed that improving education and health would strengthen democracy in Indonesia, as countries that uphold democracy are those that provide the best education and health services.
"Education and health drive our democratization. This is why the government—any government—must strive for quality education and health services," Prabowo remarked.
The president also called on government officials to ensure that every rupiah spent on healthcare is fully allocated for the people’s benefit and not misappropriated through corruption.
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Translator: Genta Tenri/Andi F, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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