Jakarta, 25 August 2021 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Indonesian Ministry of Health this week delivered 16 pieces of High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) used for COVID-19 patients at two provincial hospitals. The Government of Japan funded the procurement of the much-needed medical equipment.

The HFNC devvices  were handed over to RSUP Dr. M. Djamil in Padang, in the province of West Sumatra, and RSUP Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou in Manado, in the province of North Sulawesi, with representatives of the recipient hospitals receiving the donations in a symbolic ceremony held online.  UNDP Indonesia will be handing over a total of 30 pieces of the equipment as part of this joint initiative., funded by the Japan Supplementary Budget.  

The two hospitals are the designated hospitals for COVID-19 positive patients. Dr. Andry Chandra, Coordinator of Referral Healthcare Facilities, Directorate of Healthcare Facilities, the Ministry of Health, expressed his appreciation for the support. , “Following up the commitment in the beginning of 2021, today we are distributing a portion of the total respiratory health devices, based on the recommendation from the Ministry of Health. TWe hope that the equipment will result in the greater good during the pandemic,” he said noting that the HNFC equipment will help patients  in the early stages of the illness

UNDP Indonesia has supported the Government of Indonesia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic since the first cases were reported in the country in March 2020. Various initiatives have been conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB).

Discussing the current initiative, Saputra Liadi, National Project Manager of UNDP Indonesia’s RESTORE  Project, explained, “There has been a surge in demand for medical supplies, including medicines and health equipment during the pandemic.. Funds from the Government of Japan have enabled UNDP to commit to strengthening the health care system in Indonesia.”

HFNC technology has been recommended for patients experiencing breathing problems in the early stages of COVID-19.

UNDP, through the RESTORE project has been working with the Government of Indonesia on its response to the pandemic. Funds from the Government of Japan, totalling USD 2,489,143 via the Japan Supplementary Budget have helped support the development of the country’s health sector during the pandemic. The project will deliver critically needed medical equipment and supplies in hospitals and health facilities.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

UNDP Indonesia Communication Specialist, Tomi Soetjipto, suryo.tomi@undp.org

UNDP Indonesia Communication and Advocacy Specialist, Ranjit Jose ranjit.jose@undp.org

UNDP Indonesia SDG Campaign Assistant, Enggi Dewanti, enggi.dewanti@undp.org

UNDP Indonesia National Project Manager RESTORE, Saputra Liadi, Saputra.liadi@undp.org