"It will not be affected as it has no direct link with raw materials."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia is seeking to reduce dependency on imports for medical raw materials now standing at 96 percent of its needs.
"The government is encouraging a synergy between academics, business and the government to produce raw materials in Indonesia to reduce dependency," the director general of pharmaceutical and health equipment development, Maura Linda Sitanggang, said in a media gathering here on Friday.
She hoped the dependency could be reduced by five percent a year so that imports could be cut maximally.
One of the strategies for achieving the target is by producing medical raw materials from local natural resources such as medical herbs.
"This is not the sole responsibility of the health ministry but all parties including researchers," she said.
Maura also emphasized the important role of business to realize the results of researches through its investment.
She said although almost all raw materials for making medicines are imported domestic production of medicines has been able to meet 90 percent of needs.
The implementation of the National Social Insurance System will not be affected as only 10 percent of medicines is imported.
"It will not be affected as it has no direct link with raw materials. What is consumed is finished products. So, the priority is assuring continuity of raw materials supply," she said.
He said the government has set a buffer stock of medical raw materials at an amount enough for 18 months and it is achieved.
(Uu.A043/H-YH/KR-BSR/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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