JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesian President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo called for the creation of a robust healthcare system in facing future pandemics.
The events arising from the coronavirus pandemic serve as a warning to improve the healthcare system on the national and regional levels, Jokowi said during the 23rd ASEAN Plus Three Summit on November 14.
ASEAN Plus Three is a partnership between ASEAN Member-States and Japan, China, and South Korea.
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“The coronavirus pandemic must be a wake-up call for all of us in improving the healthcare system on a national and regional level. Recover together, recover stronger.”
During the virtual event, the Indonesian President offered some suggestions on how to move ahead in realizing such plans.
Jokowi outlined how a strong regional healthcare system starts with adequate healthcare infrastructure on a national level.
He asserted the need for each ASEAN country to sufficiently invest in its healthcare infrastructure to ensure that healthcare access is affordable.
The move would enhance a country’s readiness, particularly its public healthcare capacity, during an emergency period.
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