Jakarta, 22 September 2023.

The series of Public Hearing activities of the Draft Derivative Regulation of Health Law No. 17 of 2023 implemented by the Directorate General of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices has entered its fourth day. The topic discussed today is the Classification of Natural Medicines (OBA).

This activity invited stakeholders from various sectors, including BRIN, BPOM, Ministries / Agencies, Professional Associations and Organizations, Higher Education Institutions, Health Services, Expert Practitioners.

Secretary of the Directorate General of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, Dita Novianti at the opening said that after the enactment of Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health, in accordance with the provisions, it needs to be followed up with the preparation of implementing regulations, one of which is a Government Regulation. In the context of drafting these implementing regulations, the Government needs to carry out public consultations to obtain views and input from the public and stakeholders as part of meaningful participation.

"Please submit written input through any media. We will receive your input to be accommodated in the preparation of the lesson plan. We hope that when this lesson plan is completed, this lesson plan will be able to be implemented," said Dita.

Act. Director of the Directorate of Pharmaceutical Production and Distribution, Eka Purnamasari through her presentation said that the substance of the classification of natural ingredients is the differentiation of categories of Natural Medicines based on the level of scientific evidence aimed at ensuring the safety and accuracy of the use of Natural Medicines.

Eka further said that natural medicines are classified into four, namely herbal medicine, standardized herbs, phytopharmaca and other natural medicines. In the event of scientific and technological developments, the Minister may determine and/or make changes to the classification of Natural Medicines by involving related ministries/institutions, practitioners, and academics.

"Natural Medicines can be used independently by the community which can be obtained from pharmaceutical service facilities or other facilities. Apart from being used independently by the community, Natural Medicines can also be given based on a prescription. In addition, the delivery must be in a packaging unit that contains information about Natural Medicines and must clearly include a special mark of Natural Medicines in accordance with its classification," Eka said.

In order to use Natural Medicines, the Minister of Health establishes a Formulary as a reference for Natural Medicines used in health care facilities and related knowledge about Natural Medicines can be included in the education curriculum of Medical and Health Workers. The Ministry of Health will continue to gather input and aspirations from the public as widely as possible. The general public can follow this activity through the Ministry of Health's YouTube channel and can actively participate by providing input and suggestions through website https://partisipasisehat.kemkes.go.id/ during the drafting process of the Government Regulation