Jakarta –
Deputy Chairperson of Commission IX DPR RI Kurniasih Mufidayati believes that the paid COVID-19 vaccine policy on January 1 2024 is not appropriate to implement. This follows an increase in cases of COVID-19 infection at the end of 2023, with the number of active cases recorded at 2,694 as of Monday (1/1/2024).
“In fact, at the end of this year there was an increase in COVID-19 cases, there were 318 new cases and one death. So, the implementation of this policy (paid COVID vaccine) is not considered timely,” he said, quoted from the DPR RI website.
According to Kurniasih, the Indonesian Ministry of Health could actually postpone the paid COVID-19 vaccine policy until the right time.
He also said that COVID-19 is a pandemic disease that is turning towards endemic. Until now, this disease still exists. With a large population, Kurniasih said, it is very possible that there are still many Indonesians who have not received the COVID-19 vaccination.
“If the COVID vaccine budget is still burdened, no matter how many doses, it will certainly be even more burdensome. We have vaccines for the nation’s children which should be able to serve the needs of the nation’s children,” said Kurniasih.
Kurniasih hopes that the presence of a COVID-19 vaccine made by the nation’s children, aka domestically, can really help the community and not be burdensome with paid policies.
“The timing is not right and the independence of medicines and medical equipment should be enjoyed by the community and they should be proud to use domestic products under the burden of having the state present,” he said again.
Previously, on Monday (1/1/2024), COVID-19 vaccination was no longer free for the general public. Vaccines can later be purchased at health service facilities. The government has not released the price range, but it is certain to be affordable.
The free COVID-19 vaccine is only for the elderly, elderly with comorbidities, adults with comorbidities, health workers on the front line, pregnant women, as well as teenagers 12 years and over, and other age groups who experience moderate to severe immune system disorders.
This new regulation refers to the Circular Letter of the Director General of Pharmacy HK.02.02/E/2571/2023 concerning the Provision of Vaccines for the Implementation of Selected COVID-19 Vaccines.
“For people outside the immunization program targets as regulated in Minister of Health Regulation Number 23 of 2023 concerning Guidelines for Handling Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), they can get access to vaccination through independent immunization options,” explained the Director General of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, Lucia. Rizka Andalusia, in the official SE circular, which was released on Sunday (31/12).
“Providing optional COVID-19 immunization is carried out in all health service facilities that provide COVID-19 vaccination services,” he concluded.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 vaccine provided by each health facility must have obtained a distribution permit number from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM RI). Vaccine procurement is ensured through official distributors appointed by the manufacturer.
Watch the video “Ministry of Health is still reviewing the discourse on paid Covid-19 vaccines in 2024”
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2024-01-02 01:31:33
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