IAI: Suboptimal Distribution of pharmacists poses challenges in retail oversight
When medication access is widespread without pharmacist supervision, the risk of medication errors and irrational drug use will increase Jakarta (ANTARA) - the Indonesian Pharmacists Association (IAI) Aceh chapter stated that the government’s weak management of health workforce Distribution is a challenge for drug oversight in retail outlets such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and hypermarkets.
“Each year, Indonesia graduates over 13,000 new pharmacists. The issue is not a shortage of personnel, but the state has yet to optimally Distribution and absorb pharmaceutical resources,” said IAI Aceh Chairman Tedy Kurniawan Bakri in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.
He said the policy outlined in BPOM regulation No. 5 of 2026 could effectively legalise the sale of medications without pharmacist supervision.
“If previously un-supervised drug sales were considered wrong, and now the technicalities are being regulated, the public will surely question whether this is being legalised,” he said.
From the outset, the pharmacists’ professional organisation has repeatedly expressed opposition to the practice of selling drugs without pharmacist supervision, as medications are not merely ordinary commodities.
He stated that drug use carries risks including side effects, drug interactions, allergies, contraindications, and potential misuse. Therefore, education and supervision of drug use are essential, including for over-the-counter medications.
Additionally, Tedy highlighted that many pharmacy graduates remain unemployed. Under Health Law No. 17 of 2023, Bachelor of Pharmacy graduates cannot be classified as health professionals until they complete pharmacist professional education.
He said this indicates Indonesia actually has an abundance of pharmaceutical human resources. However, the state has yet to establish a balanced system for training and Distribution health workforce.
He also Criticised the government’s insufficient support, including in start-up capital, facility subsidies, local incentives, and financing access, to encourage pharmacists to establish services in remote areas.
Tedy believes programs like Nusantara Sehat should be strengthen to address healthcare access in remote regions.
He reminded that government policies should not be perceived as favouring retail business interests over public safety.
“We oppose this not due to professional interests, but because public safety must be the top priority. The state should strengthen the health system, not lower supervision standards,” he said.