Jokowi Bans Imports, Minister Of Health: 358 Types Of Medical Devices Can Be Produced Domestically

ILLUSTRATION/UNSPLASH

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) ordered his staff not to import drugs and medical devices anymore. This is because the import value for spending on medical devices (alkes) is higher than domestically.

Following up on this directive, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that 358 medical devices could be produced domestically.

Budi said of this number, 79 types of medical devices have been able to substitute/replace imported products for national needs. Meanwhile, these medical devices include electrocardiogram, orthopedic implants, nebulizer and oximeter.

According to Budi, this proves that domestic medical device manufacturers can meet the needs of the domestic market. It even replaces imported products.

In addition, the Minister of Health said that the main problem related to the use of domestic medical devices and the procurement of imported medical devices is that there is a very wide range of types ranging from simple medical devices to high technology and has very diverse raw materials.

"In addition, the mastery of medical device technology is still limited and still needs to be developed, especially for medium to high technology, as well as the large number of imported medical device products that have flooded Indonesia," he said in a virtual press conference, Tuesday, June 15.

Ban import

On the same occasion, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves) Luhut Pandjaitan admitted that he had held a meeting with President Joko Widodo to discuss medical devices.

"The president has given directions, yesterday I met him, in the afternoon, with the Minister of Health and the Minister of BUMN and the Deputy Minister of Finance to use more domestic products by moving or inviting investors to enter Indonesia," said Luhut.

According to data from the Government Goods/Services Procurement Policy Institute (LKPP) for the period May 1 to June 2020, domestic medical devices are only worth Rp. 2.9 trillion, far behind the use of imported medical devices of Rp. 12.5 trillion.

So that affirmative action is needed by the government to increase domestic medical equipment spending at least Rp. 6.5 trillion for 5,462 goods for the 2021 fiscal year.

"Like an ultrasound measuring instrument, we need 12 thousand, why import? Just make a manufacturer here. They (investors) are willing and the president has ordered no imports of goods like this. The United States and even President Biden have issued a law directing that the government Procurement cannot be taken from outside, it must be from within the country, Indonesia must also lead to it," he said.

Government strategy

Luhut said to support the development of the domestic medical device industry, the government will take seven strategic steps to increase market availability for domestic medical devices. First, it is in favor of PDN through government spending on goods or services.

Second, increasing the production capacity of domestic medical devices. Third, subsidy for TKDN certification through PEN funds. Fourth, incentive schemes for medical devices and pharmaceutical investors.

Fifth, improvement of research-based high-tech medical equipment. Sixth, the deadline policy for purchasing imported products. The seven priorities for displaying PDN in E-Catalog.

"Indonesia has changed now, and we have to be a part of that change. We shouldn't hinder that change. We face problems here and there, but we are now moving forward, making changes. We are making breakthroughs to make Indonesia better," he said. he.