Otsuka Supports TB 2030 Eliminations Through This Program

Photo: Doc. Otsuka

JAKARTA - Tuberculosis (TBC) is still one of the largest infectious diseases causing death in Indonesia. According to data from the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), there are more than 900 thousand people living with tuberculosis.

The President of the Republic of Indonesia issued PERPRES NO. 67 of 2021 concerning the prevention of Tuberculosis to eliminate TB by 2030. Otsuka as a company engaged in Health, initiated the "Free TB at Workplaces" program as a form of Otsuka's commitment in accordance with the company's philosophy, Otsuka People Creating New Product for Better Health Worldwide. This program has received support from the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Health.

"Free TB at Workplaces" is a program aimed at tackling TB in the workplace and providing assistance for those who are found to be positive for TB. This program was launched at the peak of the National K3 (Working Safety and Health) month celebration which was held on January 12, 2023 at the Otsuka factory located in Sukabumi and attended by the Indonesian Minister of Manpower.

In addition, Otsuka also launched the "Health TB" application which aims to maximize assistance for TB sufferers. This application has features that not only help remind users to consistently take drugs, but are also equipped with food calculators, as well as information about TB and essential nutrients needed by the body.

Sudarmadi Widodo as HRD and Corporate Communication Director Otsuka said that TB sufferers in Indonesia are dominated by productive age, so that workplaces can become one of the TB transmission areas.

"Although this disease has a risk of death, it can be cured by routine treatment for six months. Early detection and consistency during the treatment period are still obstacles to reducing TB cases, this encourages us to present the Free TB at Workplaces program," said Sudarmadi, in his statement, Friday, January 13.

The "Free TBC at Workplaces" program has been running since last July 2022 and has been attended by 8 companies including PT Otsuka Indonesia, PT Amerta Indah Otsuka, PT Otsuka Distribution Indonesia, PT Merapi Utama Pharma, PT Lautan Otsuka Chemical, PT Widatra Bhakti, PT Uni-Charm Indonesia Tbk and also PT Panasonic Gobel Life Solution. Currently, 7,000 employees have been traced and screened. Those who were confirmed positive for TB were given a comprehensive treatment program.

"To reduce the TB case in Indonesia requires an active role from all parties, both the general public and the private sector. In line with our goal for a TB-Free Indonesia by 2030, the "Free TB at Workplaces" program initiated by Otsuka will greatly assist the Government in reducing cases of TB in the workplace.

"In addition, with the launch of the TB Sembuh application as a companion application for TB sufferers, it will maximize the healing process," said Ida Fauziyah as Minister of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia

"I really appreciate Otsuka for initiating the "Free TB at Workplaces" program because this program has contributed to educating and improving Indonesians' understanding of TB in the workplace, so it is hoped that it can change negative stigma for TB sufferers and can reduce cases of TB, especially at productive age," said Najwa Shihab.

"With the "Free TBC at Workplaces" program maximized by launching the "Healthy TB" application, we hope to help reduce TB cases and change people's perceptions of TB, so that people with recovered TB can live back to normal without discrimination, as well as create a healthy work environment and be free from tuberculosis," concluded Sudarmadi Widodo.