Iran to Launch Production of HPV and Flu Vaccines in Indonesia: A New Era in Healthcare Collaboration
In a significant development for global health, the production of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and the recombinant influenza vaccine is set to commence in Indonesia. This initiative, announced by an official from the vice-presidency for science, technology, and knowledge-based economy, signals a promising collaboration that could enhance immunization efforts in the region.
Biofarma, a prominent Indonesian vaccine manufacturer, is known for producing various vaccines funded by the government. Although they have yet to develop the HPV and influenza vaccines, the establishment of production for these critical vaccines in Indonesia is anticipated to benefit both Indonesia and Iran significantly. According to Mostafa Qanei, this partnership could allow Iran to capture a share of the sales market.
With Indonesia’s population nearing 300 million, the addition of these vaccines to the country’s immunization program will be a substantial asset for public health. Here are some key points regarding this initiative:
- The HPV vaccine is crucial in preventing cervical cancer, which is a significant health issue for women worldwide.
- The recombinant influenza vaccine will help combat seasonal flu outbreaks, thereby improving overall community health.
- Iran is poised to transfer advanced plasma refining technology to Indonesia, utilizing the capabilities of two large companies in the country.
In Jakarta, the provision of medical services for patients with cardiovascular diseases currently takes about two to three months. While Iran possesses the technology to offer these services, the focus is on delivering a comprehensive service rather than merely selling products. This includes supplying medical devices to hospitals in Indonesia and providing ongoing support at competitive rates.
In a related advancement, Iranian-made telesurgery systems have been making their mark in Indonesia. Following the installation of two remote robotic surgery systems in Indonesian hospitals in November 2024, two additional systems have recently been launched. These systems have received acclaim from Indonesian surgeons for their exceptional quality and precision.
Key advantages of the Iranian telesurgery systems include:
- Affordability: The systems are priced at one-fifth of foreign models.
- Low maintenance: They require less upkeep compared to imported counterparts.
- Cost-effective consumables: The operating expenses are significantly lower.
The first two systems were installed in hospitals located in Bandung and Yogyakarta. A memorandum of understanding was signed in December 2023 by former Iranian Vice-President for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, Rouhollah Dehqani-Firouzabadi, and Indonesian Health Minister, Budi Gunadi Sadikin. This agreement aims to establish a robotic remote surgery center in a hospital in Makassar, Indonesia.
The key components of this collaboration include:
- Developing a robotic remote surgery training center at Wahidin Sudiro Husodo General Hospital.
- Enhancing the skills of surgeons and resident doctors through advanced surgical training based on the latest scientific methods.
- Fostering an interdisciplinary platform among clinical doctors, researchers, and engineers to promote new ideas in medical education.
- Encouraging innovative research projects focused on medical and surgical interventions.
As noted by Abdolreza Yaqoubzadeh, head of Iran’s Union of Medical Equipment Manufacturers and Exporters, Iran exports medical equipment worth around $20 million annually to over 60 countries. Iranian manufacturers produce and supply more than 10,000 types of medical equipment for both domestic and international markets, often at prices significantly lower than those of foreign products.
This growing collaboration between Iran and Indonesia signifies a transformative step in improving healthcare access and quality in both nations. As these initiatives unfold, they hold the potential to set a precedent for future partnerships in the medical field.
