보건복지부 영문홈페이지

Minister of Health and Welfare Cho KyooHong Meets

with Minister of Health of Indonesia

□ On March 24, Minister of Health and Welfare Cho KyooHong met with Minister of Health of Indonesia Budi Gunadi Sadikin at The Ambassador Seoul – A Pullman Hotel to discuss bilateral healthcare cooperation.

 

○ To enhance healthcare cooperation between the two countries, this meeting was arranged during Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin’s visit to Korea to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and to attend the “Medical Korea 2023”. This was the first-ever meeting between the two ministers since being appointed to their posts*.

 

* Minister Cho KyooHong(Oct. 2022), Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin(Dec. 2020)

 

 

Bilateral meeting between Korea and Indonesia

 

□ Indonesia is an important cooperation partner among ASEAN countries, and the two countries have ensued cooperation by actively participating in various international conferences such as ASEAN, G20 and APEC and paying visits to each country under the memorandum of understanding (hereinafter “MOU”).

 

○ The MOU on healthcare cooperation between Korea and Indonesia was signed in 2017, specifying the field of cooperation, including the overall health policy, health technology and personnel development, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The MOU was revised and signed again in 2022. It expanded the field of cooperation, including health finance, health recuperative powers, and primary and secondary medical cooperation, and added the method of cooperation, such as promotion of joint ventures.

 

○ In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, having shared values in global health security, the two countries have made joint efforts to overcome the pandemic with active cooperation* for international clinical trials to develop COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.

 

* (Vaccine development) Genexine, Quratis, etc., (Treatment development) Celltrion, Daewoong Pharmaceutical, etc.

 

□ At this meeting, the two ministers renewed the meaning of cooperation based on MOU for Korea-Indonesia healthcare, pledged closer cooperation in the fields of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical devices, which have been discussed steadily so far, and shared the cooperation-led achievements and future direction, such as expansion of Korean medical services in Indonesia.

 

○ Indonesia is currently attempting to reduce its dependence on imports in the field of pharmaceuticals and medical devices and promote domestic markets and revitalize the domestic market by attracting investment in the medical tourism industry such as the development of Bali as a special medical zone.

 

- In these circumstances, the Indonesian government has shown a special interest in healthcare cooperation with Korea, especially in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and expansion and investment of Korean medical services in Indonesia.

 

 

Ministers attended the signing ceremonies

 

□ Following the meeting, the two ministers attended the signing ceremony to mark 1) the joint statement between SK Plasma, Ministry of Health of Indonesia, and Infion, 2) an MOU between Daejeon Sun Hospital and Prof. dr. I.G.N.G Ngoerah Central General Hospital in Indonesia, and 3) an MOU between Seoul National University Hospital and Fatmawati Central General Hospital in Indonesia. In attendance at the ceremony were Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment of Indonesia.

 

○ SK Plasma said that the joint statement with the Ministry of Health of Indonesia stipulates the details on cooperation and support for the operation of the blood product business in Indonesia. They expected the statement to contribute to increased exports to Indonesia with respect to the toll processing of blood products and technology export in the future*, and Indonesia's self-sufficiency in the pharmaceutical sector.

 

* Expected toll processing exports amounts to KRW 200 billion, and expected construction and technology transfer exports totals KRW 200 billion.

 

○ In addition, Daejeon Sun Hospital said that the MOU with Ngoerah General Hospital describes overall cooperation, such as consulting on the operation of “Bali Ngoerah Aesthetic” that is promoted by the Ministry of Health of Indonesia, and training of the local medical professionals.

 

- By expanding into the Bali Special Medical Zone, it is expected to generate revenue by consulting on domestic medical technology, providing hospital construction and operational know-how, and promoting the excellence and status of advanced Korean medical services.

 

○ Lastly, Seoul National University Hospital stated that the MOU with the Fatmawati Hospital in Indonesia stipulates mutual personnel exchange and cooperation for the purpose of education and training, which will present a good opportunity to promote Korea's world-renowned medical technology.

 

□ Minister Cho KyooHong said, “With the help of working-level government officials, corporate personnel, and competent organizations in both countries that have been working on health cooperation between the two countries, we were able to arrange this meeting”. He stressed that “As this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, there was even more significance to it.”

 

○ He also added that “I understand that more than a few pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies have already expanded to Indonesia or are seeking investment opportunities. Our government will support wholeheartedly and hope the Indonesian government will reciprocate with their interest and willpower.”

 

□ In response, Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that “The Indonesian government is striving to actively drive foreign investments in the field of health care at the national level and build a resilient medical system for the times. Accordingly, we think cooperation with Korea, especially in the health care sector, is very important.

 

○ “This event is the result of continuous efforts made by the governments of the two countries, competent institutions, and the private sector, based on the MOU framework for healthcare cooperation between Korea and Indonesia and I hope such efforts continue to benefit the two countries” he added.

 

□ In response, Minister Cho KyooHong concluded the meeting by saying, "As Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has said, I am positive that the two countries will continue a win-win partnership by advancing the health of the people and promoting new opportunities through active exchanges in the healthcare sector.”