Digitalization Of Vaccine Production Is The Key To National Health Resilience

Illustration of vaccine production. (doc. Etana)

JAKARTA - Vaccine needs are not limited to the basic immunization of children or handling the pandemic. The development of infectious diseases, virus mutations, to increasing public awareness of disease prevention, demands faster, safer, and international standard vaccine production.

In responding to these challenges, the pharmaceutical industry must strengthen production capacity while ensuring quality through a more modern and technology-based quality management system.

Etana, the first mRNA vaccine producer in Southeast Asia, is one of the parties trying to answer these challenges through the implementation of digital transformation in its production line.

This digitization aims to provide more accurate quality supervision, strengthen supply chains, and minimize the risk of errors in the production process which is very crucial for public health.

"We are ready to take steps to transform readiness to face a stronger post-pandemic, increase compliance with cGMP standards and increase supply chains. With this support, we can continue to grow more as a major player and contribute to strengthening national health resilience," said Nathan Tirtana, President Director of Etana in a statement to VOI.

This program is also in line with Digital Indonesia Roadmap which emphasizes the acceleration of digital transformation in the health and pharmaceutical sectors.

Through the implementation of a more integrated digital quality system, this project is believed to strengthen pandemic preparedness, industrial independence, and the sustainability of health services.

"I am proud to be here, signing this agreement and witnessing how this initiative encourages the transformation of vaccine production as well as making a real contribution to improving health services," said Marco Christ, Managing Director of DEG Impulse.

In terms of development, the private sector is also recognized to have a vital role. The reason is, the private sector can encourage creating jobs and driving the economy.

"We really appreciate the opportunity to join hands with the private sector in advancing business as well as development. This project is an example of a successful collaboration between the private sector and international development cooperation," said Benjamin Knoedler, Head of Private Sector Engagement at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

In addition to strengthening vaccine production, digitalization is expected to be able to answer the needs of trained personnel and the quality of human resources. More than 200 employees will be trained in the principles of GxP, digital compliance, and cyber security, with 100 of them being certified, and creating 10 new jobs.