The Ministry of Health continues to strive to realize equitable health services and improve the welfare of the Indonesian people through comprehensive health system transformation. One of the key components in this effort is the National Formulary (Fornas), which has a strategic role in strengthening primary health care, referral, health resilience, and health technology.

As part of these efforts, service policies are focused on strengthening basic services as well as access to appropriate, safe, and affordable medicines which are the main priorities. For this reason, the Directorate General of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices of the Indonesian Ministry of Health through the Directorate of Pharmaceutical Management and Services held a Socialization of the Implementation and Review of the National Formulary in Bandung on 10-11 September 2024.

This hybrid event was attended by the National Drug and Phytopharmaca Selection Committee, the Fornas Drug Selection Team, as well as representatives from the Health Office, Hospitals, and Puskesmas from all over Indonesia. The aim was to improve the knowledge and ability of health care facilities in understanding and implementing Fornas optimally, so as to realize quality control and cost control in all health facilities, both FPKTP and FPKTL, in the context of implementing the JKN program.

In her remarks, Director of Pharmaceutical Management and Services Agusdini Banun Saptaningsih emphasized that Fornas is reviewed at most every two years, and between editions changes can be made addendum if needed. “In the Fornas review, drug selection is carried out based on several criteria, including drugs that are urgently needed or there is new evidence that supports changes to the applicable Fornas”.

She also emphasized that the implementation of Fornas must be continuously monitored and evaluated to ensure compliance and the impact of its application in the implementation of JKN. Agusdini highlighted a recent drug shortage case in one of the hospitals, where poor drug management caused a shortage of vital drugs. “In fact, these drugs are listed in fornas, easily accessible and affordable, so there is no reason for hospitals not to provide them,” she explained.

Prof. Rianto Setiabudy, Chairman of the Fornas Drug Selection Committee, also stated that Fornas is the best reference for the use of safe, effective, and economical drugs without reducing the quality of health services.

The head of the drug selection work team, Directorate of Pharmaceutical Management and Services, Ardiyani also said that the implementation of Fornas aims to control quality and costs in health services. “Fornas helps ensure the rational use of drugs, and supports patient safety,” she added.

The preparation of Fornas is based on rigorous scientific considerations and an in-depth review process, including proposals from hospitals, health offices, and professional organizations.

Fornas is used as a reference for the central and local governments in drug procurement, to ensure adequate drug availability in the JKN program. Both FKTP and FKRTL that work with BPJS Kesehatan rely on Fornas to fulfill the needs of drugs in their health services.

In addition, Fornas is also used as a guide for hospitals and health centers in preparing their local formularies. Ardiyani emphasized, “If the medicine needed is not listed in Fornas, health facilities can use other medicines on a limited basis with the approval of the Hospital Director or Head of the Regency/City Health Office,” she added.