AAM, BBPOM, and IAI Join Forces to Strengthen Pharmacists' Role in Addressing the Silent Pandemic of Antimicrobial Resistance
- Jul 16
- 2 min read
As antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to emerge as one of the world's most pressing public health threats—often referred to as a silent pandemic due to its gradual yet far-reaching impact—strengthening the role of pharmacists has become increasingly critical in promoting the responsible use of antibiotics and safeguarding patient safety.
Responding to this challenge, PT Anugrah Argon Medica (AAM) Samarinda Branch, in collaboration with the Samarinda Regional Office of the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BBPOM Samarinda) and the East Kalimantan Chapter of the Indonesian Pharmacists Association (IAI), organized a technical workshop for Pharmacists-in-Charge under the theme "Challenges and Future Prospects of Antimicrobial Resistance in Pharmaceutical Management."
Held at Aston Samarinda Hotel, the workshop brought together 82 pharmacists from pharmacies across Samarinda. The program reflects the shared commitment of regulators, professional organizations, and the healthcare industry to strengthen pharmacists' competencies while advancing the rational use of antibiotics as part of broader efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance.
In his opening remarks, Head of BBPOM Samarinda Agung Kurniawan welcomed the initiative, highlighting the importance of bringing together regulators, professional associations, pharmaceutical distributors, and pharmacists through a collaborative educational platform.
He emphasized that antimicrobial resistance has become a growing global health challenge, contributing to higher mortality rates and increasing healthcare costs. Addressing AMR, he noted, requires cross-sector collaboration to promote the prudent use of antibiotics, strengthen regulatory oversight, and raise awareness among all stakeholders.
Chair of the East Kalimantan Chapter of the Indonesian Pharmacists Association (IAI), Dr. Arsyik Ibrahim, also commended the initiative, describing it as a strong example of collaboration between regulators, professional organizations, and the private sector in advancing pharmaceutical services.
"Collaboration among all stakeholders is essential to strengthening pharmacists' competencies while improving regulatory implementation in daily practice. We appreciate PT Anugrah Argon Medica for facilitating this partnership to help advance the quality of pharmaceutical services in Indonesia," said Dr. Arsyik Ibrahim.
The workshop was also attended by Wisnu Cahyo Prabowo, Chair of IAI Samarinda; Supomo, Chair of the Ethics Council of IAI East Kalimantan; Handoyoko Hindrawan, Regional Operations Manager of AAM; Lukmansyah Suti Pradana, Head of AAM Samarinda Branch; along with representatives from BBPOM Samarinda.
Through its ongoing collaboration with BPOM and professional pharmacy organizations across Indonesia, PT Anugrah Argon Medica continues to strengthen its role as a strategic partner in developing the capabilities of Indonesia's pharmaceutical workforce. Beyond supporting regulatory implementation, these educational initiatives promote higher standards of pharmacy practice and reinforce patient safety.
In line with the Company's commitment to Improving Patient's Health, AAM will continue to foster collaborative programs that promote the safe and responsible use of medicines, enhance healthcare professionals' competencies, and contribute to a stronger healthcare ecosystem through sustained partnerships with regulators, professional organizations, and healthcare industry stakeholders.
