PATH in Indonesia: The next steps to innovation and digitalization of public health
Ahead of the upcoming G20 summit in Bali, which will focus on three main pillars—Global Health Architecture, Sustainable Energy Transition, and Digital Transformation—PATH convened public health leaders and key stakeholders in Indonesia to understand the challenges and opportunities for innovating and digitalizing healthcare.
From October 31 to November 5, PATH’s representatives of the Southeast Asian hub and global health programs held strategic meetings and a symposium with government, local, and international partners in Jakarta to identify pathways to mobilize necessary resources and expertise to strengthen a resilient, sustainable, and digitally innovative health system in the country to meet individual and community needs.
Participants at the symposium “Indonesian PATH to innovation and digitalization in public health”. Photo: PATH
Indonesia is the only Southeast Asian member of the G20 and home to the headquarters of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The country boasts the fourth-largest population and the largest Muslim population in the world. Given the country’s dynamic relations with neighboring nations and regional, and global influence, improving health outcomes in Indonesia can not only result in impacts for the culturally and socially diverse local communities but also contribute an evidence-based blueprint for health solutions at a larger scale and in a broader system.
As Indonesia looks to emerge stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical to process the lessons learned to ensure the resilience and quality of Indonesia’s health systems and increase equitable access to health services while not losing sight of addressing primary healthcare challenges toward achieving universal health coverage.
The government of Indonesia has identified that digital health innovations are key to health equity. Digital transformation is one of the priorities of Indonesia’s G20 Presidency, along with strengthening global health architecture that is more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to crises.
Understanding the country’s health priorities, PATH held meetings with strategic partners to discuss local needs and preferences and potential digital health approaches to deliver access to health services, especially regarding infectious disease prevention and control, epidemic preparedness and response, and primary health care, to the people in need.
Dr. Johannes Van Dam, PATH’s Senior Director of Health Programs, presenting on primary health care transformation.
With the series of strategic partnership meetings, PATH also held the symposium titled “Indonesian PATH to innovation and digitalization in public health”. The symposium brought together representatives of relevant departments of the Indonesian government ministries including the Ministry of Health, public health institutions, provincial health leadership, the private health sector, local organizations, and international stakeholders.
At the event, participants shared experiences and expertise from past efforts, discussed Indonesia’s short- and long-term health priorities, and contributed thought leadership to strengthen Indonesia’s healthcare system and financing to better engage with the communities.
Speaking at the event, Ibu Siti Nadia Tarmizi, M.Epid, Head of Communication and Public Services Bureau, Ministry of Health, presented on the path to health system transformation in Indonesia, emphasizing the role of digital transformation in ensuring sustainable and equitable health service delivery.
Ibu Siti Nadia Tarmizi, M.Epid, Communication and Public Services Head of Bureau, Ministry of Health, presented on health system transformation in Indonesia at the symposium. Photo: PATH
Public health leaders in Indonesia, including Prof. Dr. Budi Utomo from the Public Health Faculty, University of Indonesia, Ir. Rakhmat Nugroho, MBAT, from the Center for Technology for Development of Mineral Resources, Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology, Ministry of Health, Ir. Nelwan Harahap and Dr. Nia Reviani, MAPS, from the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, also attended the symposium and presented on multiple topics relating to digital and primary health care transformations in Indonesia.
Dr. Nabeel Goheer, PATH’s Chief of Asia, Middle East and Europe, shared that
“As Indonesia works to lay the groundwork for the digitalization of public health, PATH is committed to assisting you in designing and implementing innovations to achieve full-fledged transformation”
Dr. Nabeel Goheer, PATH’s Chief of Asia, Middle East and Europe, delivering the opening remarks at the event. Photo: PATH
This is not the first time PATH has had a meaningful engagement with key stakeholders in the Indonesian healthcare system. PATH has a history of working in the country dating back to the 1980s. PATH has worked with the Indonesia Ministry of Health and local partners to introduce Japanese Encephalitis vaccines in the routine immunization programs in the country, increase access to and options for HIV testing, accelerate access to and delivery of new health technologies for tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases, and strengthen access to medical devices, including respiratory care equipment.