Drug Prices Soar 20% in Indonesia's Tangerang Due to Weak Rupiah; Health Facilities Cut Patient Quotas

Drug prices in Indonesia's Tangerang Regency have surged by as much as 20 percent, a sharp increase attributed to the recent weakening of the rupiah against the US dollar. This currency depreciation has driven up the cost of imported raw materials essential for pharmaceutical production.

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In all of Indonesia, drug prices have increased by about 15 to 20 percent; inflation greatly affects drug price increases, because the basic ingredients for drugs are also imported, not to mention the effect of rising fuel prices.

The rising prices have compelled local government health facilities to cut back on the amount of medicine provided to patients. Hendra Tarmizi, head of the Tangerang Regency Health Office, explained that the national pharmaceutical industry heavily relies on imported ingredients, making it vulnerable to currency fluctuations. He noted that the increase affects the entire country, with prices rising between 15 and 20 percent, exacerbated by the recent hike in fuel prices.

"The impact is that the public will certainly get less medicine; we are giving medicine that is usually for 10 days, now for 5 days first," Tarmizi stated. This situation has put a strain on the Tangerang Regency's health budget, necessitating adjustments in medicine distribution.

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The impact is that the public will certainly get less medicine; we are giving medicine that is usually for 10 days, now for 5 days first.

Despite these challenges, Tarmizi assured that the price increases would not disrupt the free healthcare program. The local government has pledged to allocate additional funds to the health sector to cover the increased costs. "Yes, it must remain free; the local government will provide more funds," he affirmed.

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Yes, it must remain free; the local government will provide more funds.