- Director-General of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Health, Indonesia
- Director of LKPP,
- Distinguished country representatives,
- Colleagues, partners, and associates
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the second workshop of the public procurement agencies in our South-East Asia Region.
I am pleased that this event provides a platform to discuss the critical role of public procurement agencies in enhancing access to quality and affordable medicines.
During our discussions, we will explore the importance of increasing efficiency, achieving better pricing, and ensuring the quality assurance of medicines. These efforts are pivotal in advancing Universal Health Coverage, and the health-related goals of Sustainable Development Goals.
No one should be deprived of life-saving medicines and health products due to financial constraints. Public procurement agencies play a significant role in realizing this vision.
These agencies are entrusted with sourcing, purchasing, and distributing quality and safe medical products in a manner that is both efficient and cost-effective. Through streamlined procurement procedures and transparent, accountable mechanisms, we can ensure timely access to medicines and other essential medical products.
By leveraging their collective purchasing power, particularly through volume consolidation, these agencies can negotiate fair prices with pharmaceutical companies. Pooled procurement initiatives further enhance this capacity, ultimately reducing financial burdens on patients and healthcare system alike.
Quality assurance stands as another crucial pillar. While national medicines regulatory authorities bear primary responsibility for ensuring product safety and quality across the market, public procurement agencies serve as guardians of quality within the public health sector. It is imperative that they collaborate closely with regulatory authorities to establish robust quality assurance protocols, including rigorous inspections, audits, and adherence to international standards.
This workshop offers us a valuable opportunity to exchange insights, address challenges and share best practices in strengthening the role of public procurement agencies in facilitating access to quality affordable medicines within the public health sector.
Furthermore, we will dedicate sessions to exploring the potential for pooled procurement of medicines across the region, tailored to the needs of our Member States.
I encourage each of you to actively participate in our discussions and contribute your expertise.
Together, let us work towards more resilient, efficient public procurement agencies that truly serve the needs of our communities.
Thank you, and I wish you all a productive workshop.