Coordinating Minister For Human Development And Culture Muhadjir Asks Local Governments Not To Stack Vaccines In Warehouses: Existing Stock Is Used For Vaccination

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy looks at the stock of vaccines at the UPTD of the Pharmaceutical and Health Supplies Installation in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy asked provincial, district and city governments not to stockpile vaccines in warehouses, but to maximize COVID-19 vaccinations in their respective areas.

"The existing stock is used for phase one vaccination in accordance with the President's orders," said Minister Muhadjir in Balikpapan, as reported by Antara, Monday, July 27.

Muhadjir emphasized that no vaccine should be withheld on the grounds of the second phase.

For the Sinovac vaccine, he said, each person must receive two injections of the vaccine in a span of 14 days so that the immune effect can be maximized. However, the first stage of the vaccine has also been effective in increasing the immune system of the recipient.

The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture visited the Sepinggan Baru Health Center, then the Department of Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) of the Balikpapan City Pharmacy and Health Supplies Installation, the unit that stores and distributes COVID-19 vaccines and medicines in Oil City.

"Currently we have given the first stage of vaccination for 21.3 percent of the population of Balikpapan and 10 percent for the second stage," said Head of the Balikpapan Health Service (Kadinkes) dr. Andi Sri Juliarty on the same occasion.

With a population of 688,000 people, he said, it means that no less than 136,000 people have been vaccinated in this area since the first vaccination on January 29, 2021. other competent agencies. "The speed of vaccination depends on the supply of vaccines. On Wednesday, July 27, the vaccine at the Health Office has run out for mass vaccination at the Dome," said Head of Health Office Juliarty.

In addition, Coordinating Minister Muhadjir also checked the availability of medicines at the drug warehouse and the Sepinggan Baru Health Center. During the check, he received a report that the number of the COVID-19 antiviral drug Osetamifir was only 80 tablets, and Fapiravir was only 300 tablets.

Therefore, Minister Muhadjir will report the problem of the lack of drugs to the center so that there will be certainty of additional supplies.

According to him, currently the need for antiviral drugs is very important for those who are exposed to COVID-19, whether they are asymptomatic, mild symptoms, or severe symptoms.

Drugs are becoming increasingly important because those without symptoms (OTG) or with mild symptoms must undergo self-isolation at home. In order for their condition not to worsen, OTG or those with mild symptoms must also take antiviral drugs plus vitamins.

"Although Mrs. Kadinkes also said that there are funds from the APBD that have been set aside to provide COVID-19 drugs at puskesmas, the amount is limited," said Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy.