Easing Regulations for Village Pharmacies and Clinics in Merah Putih Cooperatives

Strategic Insights -

The Ministry of Cooperatives and the Health Ministry have agreed to ease regulations related to the establishment and operation of village pharmacy outlets and clinics within the Merah Putih Cooperatives. The new regulations aim to enable village cooperatives to provide affordable healthcare services and sell medicines at lower prices compared to those outside the cooperatives' network. Deputy Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono explained that village pharmacies and clinics will serve as instruments for economic empowerment through cooperatives, providing health services such as general check-ups, immunizations, basic medical treatment, and home visits. The new regulation is expected to be issued by the end of the month, followed by licensing from the Ministry of Investment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ministry of Cooperatives and the Health Ministry have agreed to ease regulations for village pharmacy outlets and clinics within the Merah Putih Cooperatives.
  • The new regulations aim to enable village cooperatives to provide affordable healthcare services and sell medicines at lower prices.
  • Village pharmacies will ensure the availability of both generic and branded medications at more affordable prices than those in the general market.
  • Village clinics will operate as extensions of community health centers (Puskesmas), providing health services such as general check-ups, immunizations, basic medical treatment, and home visits.
  • The new regulation is expected to be issued by the end of the month, followed by licensing from the Ministry of Investment.
  • President Prabowo Subianto has directed the process of issuing operating permits for pharmacies and village clinics to be carried out collectively.
  • The Ministry of Cooperatives will conduct extensive outreach regarding the new Health Ministry regulations on operating guidelines for village pharmacies and clinics.
  • The new regulation aims to provide economic empowerment through cooperatives, with village pharmacies and clinics serving as instruments for community health services.

Statistics:

  • The Health Ministry is expected to issue a regulation before the end of the month.
  • The Ministry of Investment will issue a licensing for pharmacies and village clinics management.
  • Village pharmacies will ensure the availability of both generic and branded medications at more affordable prices.
  • Village clinics will provide health services such as general check-ups, immunizations, basic medical treatment, and home visits to approximately 10,000 people in the Merah Putih Cooperatives.
  • The regulation aims to provide economic empowerment through cooperatives, with village pharmacies and clinics serving as instruments for community health services to approximately 100,000 people.

Sources:

  • "Ministry agrees to ease regulations for village pharmacies." ANTARA News, August 13, 2025.
  • "Regulation on village pharmacy, clinic, and health services on the way." ANTARA News, August 12, 2025.