The ventilator product by UGM researchers received appreciation from the Governor of DIY, Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X. According to him, the products of medical devices by the nation's children need to be encouraged to reduce dependence on imported products. However, Sri Sultan acknowledged that the habits of government and industrial bureaucracy in Indonesia were more concerned with importing foreign products rather than providing opportunities for local products to compete. "Domestic products are essential to be encouraged for us to be independent. Even if there is an ability without being given the opportunity, it won't be easy. If we do not have space, how can we develop our progress? Do we have to keep relying on imports that keep accustoming us the instant way habit," said Sri Sultan when receiving an audience of the UGM Chancellor with a ventilator research team on Tuesday (7/7), at the Kepatihan Provincial Government of Yogyakarta.
Sri Sultan hopes that the research product should not only be finished as a prototype and then kept as a display. However, it can be very beneficial for the community. "Do not let the public assume that we are more proud to sell foreign products to our nation instead of to sell our local products," he said.
Although the ventilator made by the UGM team in the process of testing tools and clinical trials, Sri Sultan hopes the ventilator can launch for the public use in several hospitals. He also offers a cooperation scheme so that the price of artificial ventilators in the country is not expensive and burdens the hospital. "The name of the hospital in an emergency (Covid-19) should be an essential ventilator to make room for patients in certain diseases that require it. However, when it comes to prices, this becomes a dilemma," he said.
According to the Sultan, there are already 12 ventilators in several hospitals in DIY. However, during the pandemic, there were only two ventilators used to treat Covid patients. At least the ventilator equipment used, according to Sri Sultan, was due to the small number of Covid patients in DIY and most of them experienced mild symptoms. According to him, the small number of Covid patients in DIY was because he recommended that migrants or homecoming residents take part in the quarantine process for 14 days. Furthermore, during the quarantine process, the government provides supplements such as vitamin B complex, zinc and honey. Besides, RT and RW also supervise the quarantine process. "The key is to provide vitamins and control in the village," he said.
Although the ventilator used for critical patients, Sri Sultan believes this tool is still needed as long as the pandemic is still ongoing. He also hopes that if the clinical trial and distribution permitted for the device have been issued, he will consider utilizing the tool in several hospitals in DIY with a partnership model with a third party.
UGM Chancellor, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M. Eng., D. Eng., said the audience with Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X was to introduce the tool as a result of the development of a research team working with local DIY industry partners. "Sri Sultan offers funding in the future not only for ventilators but other potential works because we still import medical equipment product around 95 per cent," he said.
The Chancellor explained that there are two types of ventilators developed by the UGM team. They are ventilators that can be used in intensive care units (ICU) and non-ICU ventilators. Both are currently in the product trial phase in Surabaya and clinical trials at Sardjito Hospital Yogyakarta. "The ICU ventilator that we made is the first one as made in Indonesia version," the Chancellor said.
Besides, according to the Chancellor, the product is supported by the readiness of the technical team. It aims to guarantee care for the device so that it can be used for a long time. The hope is that the hospital does not have to replace it with a new one if the device is damaged.
Dr. Adhika Widyaparaga, S.T., M. Biomed. E., one of the ventilator development team members, said that his office is targeting clinical trials for the device to be completed by the end of this month so that we can soon use it in early August. "We have produced ten units for non ICU, while for others, there have been components for 60 units," he explained.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Translator: Natasa A