VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The government is designating top priority to vaccinate 1.5 million medical personnel against the COVID-19, Erick Thohir, chairperson of the Committee for COVID-19 Handling, and National Economic Recovery stated.

"These 1.5 million (healthcare workers) should receive the vaccine first, as they are at the forefront of immunization or mass vaccination," Thohir, Minister of state-owned enterprises (BUMN) stated after a meeting with the Executive Board of the Indonesian Doctors Association (PB IDI) and the Indonesian National Nurses Association (PPNI) on Thursday.

Thohir remarked that the figure was still being estimated. It is still being merged with the IDI, PPNI, and the Indonesian Midwives Association.

"Earlier, we got the criteria for doctors and nurses, as there are doctors from different disciplines, such as pulmonologists and heart doctors," he remarked.

The minister believes that the data from IDI and PPNI is crucial to ensure that the medical team on the frontline is top priority to receive the vaccination.

"We seek IDI's input so we do not commit mistakes in collecting data, including nurses. When the raw materials can be produced, we will give them a priority, as they are on the forefront," Thohir stated.

The minister emphasized that healthcare workers were Indonesia's strength and pillars to conduct immunizations or mass vaccinations at the start of next year or the end of 2020.

On the occasion, Thohir also stated that vaccination was conducted through two schemes: government help and independent vaccines.

PB IDI Chairman Daeng M. Faqih remarked that his association remains committed to working with the committee in conducting vaccinations.

"When the time comes for vaccine administration on the field, we will coordinate with the district and also sub-district levels," he added.