JAKARTA,  Indonesia, Sept. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The research and development-based multinational pharmaceutical industry association, the International Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group (IPMG) is always committed to supporting and encouraging advocacy and transformation of Government policies to facilitate accelerated access to innovative drugs and vaccines that are of high quality, effective and safe for patients in Indonesia.

The limited availability of new drugs and vaccines is a challenge in presenting new hope for Indonesians for innovative therapeutic options with the latest medical approaches. The results of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) study revealed that among G20 or Asia Pacific countries, the availability of new drugs in Indonesia is the lowest with only nine percent available out of 460 new drugs launched globally between 2012-2021. Data from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific also shows that Indonesia has the lowest share of health sector investment among major countries in the Asia Pacific region in 2021. In fact, Indonesia has promising economic growth potential.

Dra. Lucia Rizka Andalusia, Apt, M.Pharm, MARS, Director General of Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, quoted from her remarks at the  IPMG Annual Report 2022 said, "The Ministry of Health appreciates IPMG's initiative, recognized in a series of programs and activities synergistic with Health Transformation. Through collaboration, we have increased access to innovative drugs, encouraged the implementation of research in Indonesia, and actuated production localization."

Since formally established in 2014, IPMG has strived to be an innovative and strategic healthcare partner for the government, other health sector players and the people of Indonesia. "In line with the health transformation in Indonesia, IPMG launched initiatives and partnership projects under six strategic frameworks adopted from the Ministry of Health. To ensure the success of the program, IPMG's efforts have measurable short-term and long-term achievements. The presence of the innovative pharmaceutical industry will not only help Indonesians access innovative medicines and improve standards of care but will also attract important investment for research and development," said Evie Yulin, Vice Chairwoman of IPMG.

There are five main programs as IPMG's priorities throughout 2023. Among these are access to innovative medicines, efficient and transparent procurement of quality medicines, education on the boundaries of localization policies, positive promotion of non-discriminatory incentives for industrial development, and increased value of innovation.

George Stylianou, IPMG Board Member explained, "At IPMG, we are committed to open access to innovative drugs and vaccines through four advocacy priorities related to accelerating access from the registration stage to availability in hospitals and government national formularies, transparency of government procurement, participation in developing localization requirements policies, and the pursuit of innovative value in health security transformation."

Throughout 2022, IPMG successfully carried out a series of education, health worker training, and advocacy activities with various partners reaching nearly 34,929 health practitioners and hospitals so that 101 community service activities were carried out which included corporate social responsibility programs, fundraising during pandemics and natural disasters, philanthropy, public health education, and Public Private Partnership (PPP). More than 35 percent of innovative drug products from IPMG members are also available in the JKN catalog and can be reached by BPJS patients in Indonesia.

IPMG members have been actively participating in community education programs, through a series of campaigns for public education regarding disease and health promotion. "As a partner and supporter of the government's efforts to improve the health system in Indonesia and provide access to innovative, safe, and international standard quality medicines to the people of Indonesia, IPMG works with the medical community scientifically in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. We believe that collaboration, continuous communication, and strengthening the overall ecosystem can support pro-innovation and pro-growth policies in bringing about the transformation of Indonesia's health system," Evie concluded.

About International Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group (IPMG)

International Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group (IPMG) is a non-profit organization representing 26 multinational pharmaceutical companies based on research and technology operating in Indonesia. As a partner of the government in efforts to improve the health care system in Indonesia and provide patients in Indonesia access to innovative medicines and vaccines, which are safe, and with quality and safety according to international standards. IPMG also actively cooperates with the health community, in scientific ethics, and complies with all applicable laws and regulations in Indonesia. Our members are multinational corporations and good corporate citizens committed to actively participate in supporting public health programs and public education on diseases and health promotion throughout Indonesia.

IPMG Members

Denmark: Novo Nordisk, France: Servier, Italy: Transfarma Medica Indah, Japan: Astellas, Eisai, Meiji, Otsuka, Takeda, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Switzerland: APL, Novartis, Roche, Germany: Boehringer-Ingelheim, Merck, Bayer, B-Braun, Singapore: Wellesta, United Kingdom: Astra Zeneca, GlaxoSmithKline Pharma, Mundipharma, USA: Abbott, Johnson & Johnson, Merck Sharp and Dohme, Pfizer, Organon, Actavis.