Indonesia boosts local drug production to cut imports
Local drug manufacturing is becoming a top priority in Indonesia as the government pushes for greater independence in producing medicines.
The Health Ministry is working to reduce reliance on imported raw materials by focusing on research, production, and creating market opportunities for local products.
Lucia Rizka Andalucia, Director General of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, said the plan is to make Indonesia more self-sufficient in meeting its healthcare needs.
"The ministry has prepared programs and policies to speed up domestic production," she told the Indonesian News Agency on Monday.
One key area is research and development. From 2022 to 2024, 42 pharmaceutical companies switched from using imported materials to locally sourced ones. This move supports the local industry and strengthens Indonesia's drug supply.
The government is also encouraging companies to use local raw materials by offering incentives, such as tax breaks and other benefits.
This has led to the production of medicines with Indonesian raw materials.
New regulations and policies are also being put in place to support the use of locally made medicines. Hospitals and healthcare providers are being encouraged to buy these products made with domestic raw materials.
The Health Ministry has further issued two key decrees to ensure the success of this program. These decrees promote the use of local drug materials and provide platforms for showcasing these products.
