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Health experts and researchers gathered at the 12th Future Trends Forum in Jakarta on 21 November to discuss about the use of big data to benefit the national healthcare system in Indonesia.

“Big data utilisation comprises three aspects: data collection, data analysis and using insights and analyses gleaned from those data to establish regulations that can improve people’s lives,” said Dr Jeremy Lim. Developed countries may have more sophisticated means of collecting and analysing data, but they will mean nothing if they do not inform regulations. “All three aspects have to be present for big data to do its magic. At the moment, every country is still at the beginning stage in terms of big data utilization in the health sector,” he further added.

At the forum, a representative from the Smeru Research Institute, mentioned that the data collected by the national health insurance scheme, BPJS Kesehatan, can now be used to widen access to health services in the vast archipelago. BPJS Kesehatan has recently released data of all its members up to 2016. Researchers can analyse those data and use the results to inform policies at the national level. However, potential violation of the individual privacy laws is one of the major concerns.

Another pressing issue being discussed at the forum was the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), known as JKN in Indonesia.

“First, population coverage. The government must decide which of the population will be covered. Second, the types of services being provided. Lastly, financial protection,” said Dr Jeremy. “It is common that countries running the UHC scheme will eventually have to deal with a deficit in the system” he further added.

“Local challenges need local solutions; you can learn from others’ solutions, but you must adapt them to your own needs and goals,” said Dr Jeremy Lim during his sharing of Singapore’s experience in allowing private companies to take part in providing UHC.

Source: Jakarta Globe