“Proposed Legislation Emphasizes Necessity of Coordinated Health Information System”

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has proposed the creation of a health information system that aims to improve healthcare affordability and security for users. The system would integrate and standardize medical records, which would be more efficient than manual management, which currently costs Rp2 billion ($133,500) annually in paper expenses alone. Public health centers and hospitals have to input medical data onto around 60 to 70 information systems each day, and patients find it difficult to track their records because they are scattered across various medical facilities. The proposed health system transformation would streamline information systems so that medical personnel can focus on providing the best treatment. The draft bill also proposes collaboration among research, industries, biotechnology and innovation in medical technology. Sources of information for the medical system will include medical facilities, government, Social Security (BPJS), health institutions and self-reports. The system will be managed by the central and regional government, medical facilities and the public. Inputs and suggestions on personal data protection for the system have been solicited.