BBPOM Pontianak and AAM Strengthen Education on Safe and Responsible Use of Medicines

The improper use of medicines, including antibiotics and certain drugs with high potential for misuse, remains a significant concern within the healthcare system. Strengthening education and oversight is essential to ensure the safe, quality, and responsible use of medicines within the community.

As part of this commitment, the Pontianak Regional Office of the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BBPOM Pontianak) collaborated with PT Anugrah Argon Medica (AAM) to organize an educational program on the Prevention of Misuse of Certain Drugs, as well as Technical Guidance on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Pharmacovigilance on Tuesday, 12 May 2026.

The event was attended by the Head of BBPOM Pontianak, Dra. Hariani, Apt., along with representatives from related institutions, Regional Operations Manager of PT Anugrah Argon Medica, Mr. Handoyoko Hindrawan, Head of AAM Pontianak Branch Mr. Fariz Marasri, and 58 Pharmacists in Charge representing community health centers, clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals across West Kalimantan.

In her remarks, Head of BBPOM Pontianak Mrs. Hariani expressed appreciation for the collaboration established with PT Anugrah Argon Medica. She emphasized the importance of synergy between regulators and industry players in enhancing the capacity of healthcare professionals, particularly pharmacists, who serve as the frontline in medicine management and distribution to the public.

“This theme is highly relevant in increasing the awareness of pharmacists in charge at pharmaceutical service facilities, particularly hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, which play a strategic role in the distribution of antimicrobials to the community,” said Mrs. Hariani.

In addition to addressing antimicrobial resistance control, the program also highlighted the potential misuse of Certain Drugs (OOT) that affect the central nervous system, including tramadol, trihexyphenidyl, dextromethorphan, amitriptyline, chlorpromazine, haloperidol, and ketamine. Improper use of these medicines may lead to serious consequences, ranging from dependency to severe health complications.

Through the ABC+4T educational campaign, participants also gained a deeper understanding of the definitions, risks, and preventive measures related to the prudent use of antibiotics in order to help curb the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, which has become a global health concern.

During the pharmacovigilance session, participants were encouraged to strengthen their active role in monitoring medicine safety through adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting. The MESO Mobile application was also introduced as an effective reporting platform to support more optimal post-market drug surveillance.

The event also reflected the collaboration among various stakeholders, including regulators, healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical industry players, and media representatives, in strengthening Indonesia’s medicine monitoring system.

Regional Operations Manager of PT Anugrah Argon Medica, Handoyoko Hindrawan, stated that the collaboration forms part of AAM’s ongoing commitment to supporting the improvement of healthcare service quality through continuous education and collaboration with regulators and pharmaceutical professionals.

“We hope this initiative will strengthen the awareness and competencies of healthcare professionals in promoting the safe, quality, and responsible use of medicines,” said Mr. Handoyoko.

The Pontianak program is part of a broader series of educational collaborations between AAM and BPOM in various cities across Indonesia aimed at strengthening medicine supervision, promoting rational drug use, and increasing healthcare professionals’ awareness of patient safety and antimicrobial resistance.