Ministry of Health and IDI Advocate for Doctors to Prescribe OMAI Phytopharmaceuticals for Patients

Phytopharmaceuticals, or medicines derived from natural ingredients that have undergone clinical trials, hold the potential to play a pivotal role in achieving national pharmaceutical independence. However, many doctors have yet to prescribe them to patients. To address this, the Indonesian Medical Association (PB IDI) and PT Dexa Medica organized a seminar titled "Phytopharmaceutical Seminar: The Role of Doctors in Utilizing Indonesian Natural Medicines in Traditional Health Services."

PT Dexa Medica's President Director, Mr. V. Hery Sutanto, and the Marketing and Sales Director of CHD PT Dexa Medica, Mr. Maret Yudianto, attended the seminar. The chairperson of IDI West Java Region, Dr. Eka Mulyana, SpOT, delivered opening remarks, followed by a keynote speech from PB IDI Chairman Dr. Adib Khumaidi, SpOT. 

According to Dr. Eka, developing phytopharmaceuticals aligns with the government's program to achieve pharmaceutical independence. Dr. Eka emphasized that as medical professionals, doctors must understand that phytopharmaceuticals can be prescribed to patients. Similarly, Dr. Adib highlighted that doctors play a critical role in increasing the use of phytopharmaceuticals.

"The most important aspect is the support of Indonesian doctors in prescribing these medicines if clinically tested. Once prescribed, they should be included in BPJS Kesehatan," Dr. Adib stated during the seminar held at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Bandung on Saturday, March 4, 2023.

He further explained that natural medicines in Indonesia are categorized into three groups: Jamu (empirical-based), Standardized Herbal Medicines (OHT), which have undergone preclinical testing, and Phytopharmaceuticals, which have passed preclinical and clinical trials. "Now, we have OMAI, Modern Indonesian Original Medicines," he added, emphasizing that OMAI phytopharmaceutical development must be research-based and involve pentahelix partnerships.

The seminar was attended by doctors from IDI West Java Region and featured speakers such as the Director of Pharmaceutical Production and Distribution, Directorate General of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, Ministry of Health, Dr. Dra. Agusdini Banun Saptaningsih, Apt.; Chairman of the Indonesian Herbal Medicine Discipline Association (PDHMI), Dr. Slamet Sudi Santoso, M.Pd.Ked.; Director of Research and Business Development, Dexa Group, Prof. Raymond Tjandrawinata; and representatives from BPOM Bandung, Endang Yahya, S.Si., Apt. Additionally, presentations were given by health practitioners from Padjadjaran University - Hasan Sadikin Hospital, including Dr. Maya Kusumawati, SpPD, from the Endocrine Division, and Dr. Sumartini Dewi, M.Kes, from the Rheumatology Division.

Prof. Raymond elaborated on the prominence of OMAI. He noted that natural medicines must meet stringent clinical and preclinical standards. Prof. Raymond highlighted that Dexa Group employs advanced technology in OMAI development.

"We must ensure the safety aspects of OMAI. BPOM has pharmacovigilance measures to monitor OMAI's safety," Prof. Raymond explained. He cited the example of OMAI Redacid, which addresses gastric issues and is included in the Phytopharmaceutical Formulary launched by the Ministry of Health in 2022.

Dr. Maya Kusumawati discussed OMAI Diabetadex (DLBS3233), noting the increased diabetes risk factors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Treatments for diabetes include insulin therapies, either injectable or oral. Among oral anti-diabetes medicines are chemically derived metformin and plant-derived DLBS3233, made from bunggur and cinnamon.

"DLBS3233 enhances insulin sensitivity by acting as an insulin sensitizer at insulin receptors, improving blood glucose levels. DLBS3233 is already listed in the Phytopharmaceutical Formulary," Dr. Maya explained.

Dr. Sumartini Dewi focused on using immunomodulators developed from the green chiretta plant (Phyllanthus niruri), such as OMAI Stimuno. She highlighted that immunomodulators could be used for patients with various diseases, supported by clinical trials for tuberculosis, herpes, respiratory infections, and hepatitis.

"Stimuno has also been researched for COVID-19 and effectively inhibits viral replication. Doctors can prescribe phytopharmaceuticals for asymptomatic or symptomatic COVID-19 patients," Dr. Sumartini noted.

PT Dexa Medica has been developing OMAI phytopharmaceuticals since 2005 through Dexa Laboratories of Biomolecular Sciences (DLBS). These medicines are now exported to three continents.

Dr. Agusdini opened her presentation by reflecting on the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when Indonesia's medicine raw material stock was only sufficient for 4-5 months. This situation urged the government to promote pharmaceutical independence, partly through OMAI Phytopharmaceutical development. "Unfortunately, only 22 items currently have phytopharmaceutical distribution permits," Dr. Agusdini remarked.

Dr. Slamet underscored the significant potential for phytopharmaceutical development, supported by numerous regulations.

"Government Regulation No. 103 of 2014, Article 3, states that the government is responsible for traditional health services, ensuring legal certainty for users and providers," Dr. Slamet said, adding that modern technology is now employed in natural medicine development.

The Ministry of Health Encourages Doctors to Prescribe OMAI Phytopharmaceuticals The Ministry of Health's Director of Pharmaceutical Production and Distribution, Dr. Agusdini Banun Saptaningsih, encouraged doctors to confidently prescribe OMAI to patients, given its inclusion in the Phytopharmaceutical Formulary.

“In May 2022, the Deputy Minister of Health and the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health launched the Phytopharmaceutical Formulary. Its financing can utilize JKN capitation funds, Special Allocation Funds, and General Allocation Funds. Phytopharmaceuticals are also included in the government’s e-catalog,” Dr. Agusdini explained.

Dr. Adib agreed that many doctors are still unfamiliar with phytopharmaceuticals. Therefore, IDI is committed to massively promoting them to doctors nationwide.

"IDI, as a professional organization, is ready to support research, advocacy, and efforts to enhance health independence," Dr. Adib concluded.

Previously, PB IDI and PT Dexa Medica had held a similar seminar in Jakarta, with plans to conduct sessions in other major cities, including Semarang, Surabaya, Palembang, and Medan, throughout the year.