Jakarta. Collaboration between members of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) is key to driving innovations in the health sector, according to Ghufron Mukti, the president director of the health security agency BPJS Kesehatan.

Ghufron was addressing the 18th ISSA Forum for Technical Commissions: Technical workshop of the Collaborative Innovation Hub project on the Internet of Medical Things on Monday. His remarks mainly revolved around the digital transformation in healthcare services particularly through the use of the Internet of Things (IoT). Ghufron said the use of IoT could enable BPJS Kesehatan participants to have better access to healthcare.

According to Ghufron, increasing public knowledge of technology, among others, is pivotal to carry out digital transformation in the healthcare sector in line with the World Health Organization’s global strategy on digital health 2020-2025. “Another important factor is to open up access for people to meet their needs by using the internet,” Ghufron told the forum, as reported by a recent press statement.

Ghufron said the use of IoT could also boost service efficiency, while also improving health monitoring and access to healthcare. He added: "IoT technology also allows us to monitor patients' health conditions in real-time and provide faster and more precise medical interventions.”

He, however, admitted there were challenges to implementing digital innovations. This includes data security, limited access in remote areas, as well as the lack of manpower. 

"That's why collaboration between the government, health service providers, and technology companies is very important to create an integrated and sustainable digital health ecosystem," Ghufron said.

Ghufron also told the forum that BPJS Kesehatan’s use of technology and IoT could drive transformation in the Indonesian health sector. This is in line with the government's efforts to improve people's quality of life through better and more accessible health services.

“Hopefully, the meeting can present numerous innovations that various parties can use to formulate strategies related to digital transformation in the health sector,” Ghufron stated.

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