DPD PCR Special Committee Chaired By Fahira Idris Explores Allegations Of Deviations In PCR Test Policy, Invites Discussions With Faisal Basri

ILLUSTRATION/BETWEEN

JAKARTA - The Special Committee (Pansus) for the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) is investigating the alleged irregularities in the policy for the genetic material detection test from COVID-19, which burdens the public, especially regarding transparency, accountability and conflicts of interest.

Chairperson of the DPD PCR Special Committee, Fahira Idris, asked for opinions from experts and research institutions at a hearing.

"They were invited in connection with their research, investigations and information regarding alleged irregularities in the PCR test policy that burdened the public, particularly regarding transparency, accountability, and issues of conflict of interest," said Fahira Idris, quoted by Antara, Thursday, February 10.

The DPD PCR Special Committee invited Economic Expert Faisal Basri and Director of the Nagara Institute Akbar Faisal to continue the public hearing which took place at the parliament complex, Jakarta.

Fahira explained that Faisal Basri and Akbar Faisal's explanation, especially related to data and facts, was quite comprehensive. These data and facts are useful to assist the special committee in identifying and clarifying various alleged irregularities in the PCR test policy.

In addition, according to Fahira, the explanations of the two sources helped the special committee in formulating a map of the substance of the problem and recommendations regarding alleged deviations from the PCR policy that burdened the public.

Fahira said that one of the reasons the DPD formed the PCR Special Committee was to confirm and collect evidence regarding public confidence, which suspected that the operation of medical devices, including PCR, was fraught with conflicts of interest.

The public suspects that the PCR test policy maker is affiliated with a medical device provider corporation, he added.

"So that the PCR issue does not become a wild ball, the DPD RI feels an interest to form a special committee. As a representation of the community, regions and constitutional institutions based on the mandate of Article 22 D of the 1945 Constitution, the DPD RI PCR Special Committee is the right forum to explore PCR policy issues in Indonesia. Indonesia," he said.

Some of the issues highlighted by the DPD PCR Special Committee include tariffs, transparency, accountability, and the extent to which public officials are involved in the PCR test business, which actually concerns the lives of many people.