Health Minister Asserts President's Orders: 'Public Health Over Economy'
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21 June 2021 13:30 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin in Monday’s virtual press conference answered questions regarding the President’s orders amidst the Covid-19 case surge, which mainly asked whether Joko “Jokowi” Widodo prioritizes public health or the economy.
“Between the economy and public health, which is the President more towards?” Minister Budi reiterated the question aimed at him. “The President prioritizes public health.”
According to the Minister, the President’s orders are clear that the two aspects cannot be separated under the argument that economic issues will not be solved if the public health aspect is not solved.
Previously reported, a number of epidemiologists and health practitioners requested the government to hit the ‘emergency brake’ policy in either imposing a large-scale social restriction (PSBB) or lockdown to help suppress the spread of the coronavirus.
The experts insist that public healthcare must be championed over economic decisions. A Covid-19 volunteer group had even created an online petition urging Jokowi to impose a lockdown before the viral spread overwhelms Indonesia’s healthcare facilities.
Also Read: Expert Warns of Growing Covid-19 Cases Among Children
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