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INSIGHT: Providing quality medical supplies for universal healthcare
The government introduced a system of tendering medicines based on the National Formulary. This system has sparked a set of concerns and challenges that need to be addressed.
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While price reductions for medicines have been significant, and are clearly to be welcomed, this system has sparked a set of concerns and challenges that need to be addressed. (Shutterstock/Vinogradov Illya)
A
ccess to affordable and good quality medicine is critical for the successful implementation of universal healthcare (JKN) in Indonesia. It also poses a major challenge for the government, which is responsible for meeting the demand for medicines from the 180 million participants of the JKN.
In addition, the JKN has to deal with a diverse set of health challenges, ranging from infectious diseases (dengue, malaria) and chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, cancer) to malnutrition and stunted growth among children. Healthcare delivery is also characterized by logistics, budgetary, informational and human resource constraints and a shortage of quality medicine.
As part of the introduction of the JKN, the government, through the National Procurement Agency (LKPP), introduced a system of tendering medicines based on the National Formulary.
Several tendering exercises have resulted in a massive reduction in the price of medicines, with further price reductions anticipated in the future.
While price reductions for medicines have been significant, and are clearly to be welcomed, this system has sparked a set of concerns and challenges that need to be addressed.
First, pharmaceutical producers have expressed concern that the tender process has been too aggressive and perhaps overly focused on price reductions, and that further price reductions will have unwanted repercussions on medical supplies.
This includes compromised quality, safety concerns, potential for medical complications and reduced efficacy of medicines, which, in turn, may result in longer hospital stays and recovery times for patients.
