MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Deputy Governor of North Sumatra, Surya, emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between the government and the pharmaceutical profession in addressing increasingly complex global health challenges. Cross-sector synergy is considered a key factor in realizing high-quality, safe, and sustainable healthcare services for the community.
Surya conveyed the statement during the opening of the Congress and Scientific Annual Meeting (PIT) of the Indonesian Pharmacists Association (IAI) 2026 at Hotel Santika Premiere Dyandra, Jalan Kapten Maulana Lubis, Medan, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
At the event, Surya stated that the healthcare sector is currently facing numerous major challenges, including threats from infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, and the rapid advancement of health technologies.
According to Surya, these challenges require joint participation from the government, healthcare professionals, professional organizations, academic institutions, and all relevant stakeholders. Collaboration across professions and sectors can generate solutions that address both current and future healthcare needs.
Cross-Sector Collaboration Strengthens Healthcare Services
The Deputy Governor of North Sumatra, Surya, stated that scientific forums such as the IAI Congress and PIT 2026 play an important role in developing ideas, innovations, and recommendations that can support the strengthening of the national healthcare system.
"Collaboration built through scientific forums like this produces ideas, innovations, and recommendations to respond to healthcare needs today and in the future," Surya said.
He expressed hope that the implementation of PIT
IAI 2026 would contribute to improving the competence of pharmacists across Indonesia. Enhancing the quality of human resources in the
pharmaceutical sector, he said, would directly impact the quality of healthcare services received by the public.
Surya emphasized that pharmacists have a strategic role in supporting healthcare services, particularly in ensuring the safe, appropriate, and patient-oriented use of medicines.
"Pharmacists are among the leading forces in realizing safe, high-quality healthcare that prioritizes patient safety. Therefore, competence, integrity, and professionalism must continue to be improved," he said.
He added that the role of pharmacists extends beyond medicine distribution, as they also play an important part in educating the public about proper medication use and supporting various government health programs.
IMPROVING LIFE EXPECTANCY: Health Minister
Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the government and the
pharmaceutical sector to improve life expectancy and enhance the healthy quality of life of Indonesian people. (PHOTO: Fahmi Aulia)
Higher Life Expectancy Goal Requires Pharmaceutical Support
Meanwhile, Indonesian Health Minister
Budi Gunadi Sadikin, who attended the event virtually, stated that the government is targeting an increase in Indonesia's average life expectancy to 76 years by 2029.
According to Budi, achieving this target requires strong support from various sectors, including the pharmaceutical profession, which plays an essential role in ensuring the quality of healthcare services.
"Currently, life expectancy has increased from 72 years to 74 years. By 2029, we aim to reach 76 years. At the same time, healthy life expectancy is expected to increase from 60 to 70 years. It is not only about living longer but also living healthier, and this requires synergy between the government and the
pharmaceutical sector," Budi said.
Budi explained that improving healthcare quality is not solely related to increasing life expectancy but also ensuring that people can live healthier and more productive lives.
Therefore, the government requires support from the pharmaceutical profession in strengthening the healthcare system, particularly in ensuring safe, high-quality, and needs-based medicine availability.
ENHANCING COMPETENCE AND PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE: Chairman of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Pharmacists Association, Lilik Yusuf Indrajaya, encourages pharmacists to use the IAI Congress and PIT 2026 as an opportunity to expand their competence and professional expertise. (PHOTO: Fahmi Aulia)
IAI Focuses on Enhancing Pharmacist Competence in Indonesia
The Chairman of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Pharmacists Association (PP IAI), Lilik Yusuf Indrajaya, expressed hope that the IAI Congress and Scientific Annual Meeting 2026 would serve as a platform for pharmacists across Indonesia to expand their competencies and deepen their knowledge in the pharmaceutical field.
The event, held from August 6 to 8, 2026, features various scientific discussions and seminars covering pharmaceutical developments from both academic perspectives and professional practice viewpoints.
Lilik explained that IAI continues to work toward improving the quality of its members through competency development, professional welfare improvement, protection of professional rights, and scientific studies that integrate academic and practical perspectives.
"As an organization, IAI will always strive to improve the competence, welfare, and protection of its members, while providing scientific analysis from both academic and practical perspectives. We hope these efforts will continue to grow and receive support from all parties," Lilik said.
He expressed hope that support from various stakeholders would strengthen IAI's role in building a more professional pharmaceutical workforce capable of meeting future healthcare demands.
The IAI Congress and PIT 2026 were also attended by the Head of the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM), Taruna Ikrar; members of the IAI Central Executive Board; Chairman of IAI North Sumatra, Agustama; representatives of IAI from regencies and cities across North Sumatra; pharmacists from various regions of Indonesia; as well as pharmaceutical experts and academics.
The event became an important moment for pharmaceutical professionals to strengthen professional networks, expand scientific competencies, and increase the contribution of the pharmacy profession in supporting national healthcare development. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala