Indonesia’s Jokowi: Covid-19 is a Wake-Up Call to Improve Healthcare System

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.

Read also: Indonesia Calls for Greater ASEAN-US Cooperation to Combat Covid-19

Furthermore, the Indonesian President recommended that digital healthcare technology complement the sector’s infrastructure.

“Access to telehealth has become increasingly relevant during the pandemic. The ASEAN Plus Three members must collaborate to build healthcare infrastructure in the region.”

The Indonesian President also called for the regional healthcare industry to be established boosted by unparalleled research and development of the sector.

“As such, it is important for us to turn the ASEAN Plus Three region into a medical sciences hub particularly during and after a pandemic.”

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