I hope AI and machine learning can contribute to make a better and healthier Indonesia for our future generationsJakarta (ANTARA) - Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has called for technology transformation in the health sector, including the development and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and machine learning in the provision of health services.
Technology transformation is one of the six transformation strategies being carried out by the Health Ministry, which also cover primary services, referral services, health resilience systems, health financing systems, and human resources, he noted.
"I hope AI and machine learning can contribute to make a better and healthier Indonesia for our future generations," Sadikin remarked at the 2022 AI Tech Day webinar on Tuesday.
He cited a 2022 report by McKinsey & Co stating that the market potential for global digital healthcare is estimated to reach US$600 billion in the next five years. This figure has been estimated based on an increase in the research and development of medicines and treatment services, the minister said.
In terms of screening and diagnosis, such as the use of genome-based screening technologies, the market potential is estimated to reach US$25 billion by 2024, he added.
Other technologies such as digital diagnostics for identifying patient conditions are estimated to have a market potential of US$16 billion the same year, he informed.
Based on this data, Sadikin invited start-up companies in Indonesia to get involved in developing innovations related to health technology systems to serve the community.
One of AI's functions is to adopt ultrasound scanning technology. Therefore, the ministry wants to push the technology to automate the analysis of ultrasound data at health centers in Indonesia, he added.
AI technology in ultrasound can help doctors and professionals to capture and analyze data, and also identify diseases in patients, including pregnant women, the minister noted.
"This technology will help 10 thousand community health centers (Puskesmas) to provide better services to the community by using AI's technology," Sadikin said.
He also cited the development of AI-based ultrasounds by health technology company DiA Imaging Analysis.
Last year, the Israeli company was able to secure an investment of US$14 million for its AI-based ultrasound technology, he added.
Citing the report from McKinsey & Co, he said that Israel itself has an active healthcare ecosystem of around 600 digital health companies, including those related to digital therapy, remote monitoring, to decision making.
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Translator: Rizka Khaerunnisa, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
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