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Strengthen Domestic Medical Equipment Production For National Economic Growth

The Indonesian Medical Device Manufacturers Association (ASPAKI) held its 3rd National Conference to celebrate its 27th anniversary. The event, themed “Striving to Build Independence in the Medical Device Industry Towards Golden Indonesia 2045,” took place at the Birawa Ballroom, Bidakara Hotel, Jakarta, on Wednesday, January 15, 2024.

The gathering was attended by several key figures, including the Minister of Health represented by the Director General of Pharmacy and Medical Devices, Lucia Rizka Andalusia, and the Chairman of the National Economic Council, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, along with officials from related ministries.

In his speech, Luhut emphasized the significance of the medical device industry in supporting national health resilience and being a key pillar for economic growth.

“I am pleased to see ASPAKI increasing the production of domestically made medical devices. This industry not only supports national health resilience but also significantly contributes to job creation and economic growth,” Luhut stated.

He explained that the new government has set an economic growth target of 8% for the coming years. This target is seen as realistic due to the data-driven technology support that will soon be launched by President Prabowo Subianto.

“With an integrated technology system, all population, tax, and accounting data will be centralized. This efficiency will support economic growth and increase state revenue to Rp1,500 trillion per year,” he added.

Luhut also highlighted the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Indonesia faced a shortage of medical devices and medicines. “At that time, we even had to import Paracetamol from India. When India went into lockdown, we were really under pressure. Therefore, we must be able to produce at least 60-70% of our medical device needs domestically,” he stressed.

To support this independence, the government ensures that all public spending, including the procurement of health facilities funded by BPJS Kesehatan, must use local medical device products that meet international standards. Luhut emphasized the importance of investing in the medical device sector to encourage innovation and enhance global competitiveness. Indonesian-made medical devices, such as ultrasound machines and mobile X-ray units, are now able to compete in international markets, including Africa. "The African market is very promising for our products. Indonesian technology may not be advanced, but it fits their needs well. This is a great opportunity to expand our export market," he stated.

Luhut concluded his remarks by appreciating ASPAKI for its contribution to building the independence of the national medical device industry. He also urged all parties to continue collaborating to achieve a self-reliant and competitive Indonesia. "We must support each other, work holistically, and focus on the best outcomes for the nation. If there are any issues, feel free to contact me directly. Together, we can realize the vision of Indonesia Gold 2045," he said.

At the same event, Dr. Lucia Rizka Andalusia highlighted the importance of medical device industry independence as part of national health resilience. She noted that the Indonesian medical device industry has made significant progress in recent years, with the number of medical device companies increasing to 819 by 2024. "Indonesia has successfully raised investment in the medical device sector to Rp1.25 trillion in 2024, with an average growth rate of 377% over the last three years. This is an outstanding achievement that shows our commitment to using domestic products," Riska said in her speech.

Seventeen out of 19 national priority medical devices can now be produced domestically, including ultrasound machines and mobile X-ray units that have been used in free health screening programs and tuberculosis eradication efforts.

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Tag: Domestic Medical Equipment Production National Economic Growth