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| Illustration - The Association of Indonesian Doctors for the Development of Traditional and Herbal Medicine (PDPOTJI) recommends the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) mandate industries to self-inspect their products in terms of safety from diethylene glycol contamination. (Pixabay) |
"The pharmaceutical industries are also requested to carry out periodic self-examinations on the finished products," Chairperson of PDPOTJI, Inggrid Tania, said in the webinar on "The Science, Safety & Efficacy of Traditional Herbal Potions (Jamu) for Children & Adults" here on Sunday.
She suggested that the independent examination of products comply with the inspection standards set by the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) to detect the presence of diethylene glycol contamination in syrup medicinal products.
According to her, a similar recommendation has also been given by Pakistan's food and drug authority in responding to the cases of kidney failure in Gambia, West Africa, and Indonesia.
"Giving warnings to every industry, society and health workers. Other countries which have not reported cases of acute kidney failure have taken anticipatory steps," she said.
In Indonesia, the number of kidney failure cases in children reached 269 on October 26, 2022. The World Health Organization (WHO) has determined this as an epidemic of poisoning, as the one in Gambia.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health suspected that the investigation of kidney failure causes has led to drug poisoning.
Tania suggested that the government provide alternatives such as the administration of puyer, or medicines in the form of powder, or suppositoria, a medication that is inserted through the anus.
"For example, Paracetamol is ground into powder and given to children. The taste is bitter even though sugar is added," she said.
However, she cautioned that not all drugs can be ground into puyer, such as mixing Paracetamol and decongestant.
PDPOTJI also issued a recommendation for safe herbal potions for children as an alternative to fever treatment and cold and cough relievers.
This herbal concoction has a relatively good taste and is cheap and its ingredients are easy to find, Tania informed.
Oleh : Lia S, Kenzu/Antara
Editor : Yakop
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