“Based on our calculations, roughly 500 pediatric heart consultants are needed, yet currently there are only around 100 nationwide,” said IDAI chairman Piprim Basarah Yanuarso in Bengkulu.
The shortfall hampers access to care, especially for congenital heart disease, which affects about 1 in every 100 live births, he noted.
With 4.5 million to five million births annually in Indonesia, an estimated 50,000 children are born with congenital heart conditions each year.
Indonesia currently has about 6,000 pediatricians, slightly below the estimated national need of 6,800 to 7,000, Piprim added.
In addition to increasing specialists, IDAI encourages use of telemedicine to extend care to children in underserved areas.
The system allows patients to receive consultations remotely, bridging gaps until more pediatric cardiologists complete training and return to regional posts.
IDAI said such measures aim to expand pediatric heart services across Indonesia, emphasizing equitable distribution of medical professionals so all children can access proper care.
Translator: Arie Novarina
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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