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Diabetes mellitus is a primary global health concern, causing significant mortality and disability due to its complications. Professor Dr Hikmat Permana, a renowned professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, underscores the urgency of integrated diabetes management in Indonesia. With a high prevalence of diabetes and a continually rising number of patients, a comprehensive approach is essential. Risk factors such as unhealthy lifestyles and impaired glucose tolerance contribute significantly to this increasing prevalence.
“The key lies in controlling blood sugar levels. We have efforts and opportunities to reduce complications in diabetic patients. Controlling risk factors for diabetes and central obesity can reduce the prevalence of chronic kidney failure by up to 36.8%,” stated Professor Hikmat.
Professor Hikmat emphasises the crucial role of doctors not only as healers but also as educators in fostering better health. Despite efforts by doctors and patients to control blood sugar levels, the results have not been satisfactory, as evidenced by the increasing number of diabetic patients requiring dialysis and coronary stent placements.
According to Professor Hikmat, several factors need improvement, including a health system that supports services through a referral programme. The referral and counter-referral programme must be distinct from the health system, aiming to achieve optimal service effectiveness and quality.
“Health services and clinical practice face various obstacles, including different standards, high costs, inadequate insurance coverage, poor planning coordination, incomplete data exchange, and insufficient technology,” he explained.
Professor Hikmat revealed that the referral system in Indonesia needs to be fixed. Therefore, digitalising referrals into a single platform, “Satu Sehat,” developed by the Indonesian Ministry of Health, is necessary. This application allows the public to make integrated online referrals, making accessibility easier.
Comprehensively, developing this digitalisation is imperative, as healthcare in Indonesia must begin to be rehabilitative, curative, preventive, promotive, integrated, holistic, and sustainable. “Digitalising medical referrals is an inevitability in the advancement of modern medicine, forming a comprehensive data network from all health service systems in an era of disruption, towards quality, effective, and efficient healthcare services, not only for diabetes but also for general health issues,” concluded Professor Hikmat.
Integrating digital technology into healthcare management, particularly diabetes mellitus management, represents a transformative approach that could significantly improve health outcomes. By leveraging digital platforms like “Satu Sehat,” Indonesia can overcome existing healthcare barriers, streamline referral processes, and ensure patients receive timely and appropriate care.
One of the main advantages of digital health platforms is the ability to provide real-time data exchange and access to patient information across various healthcare providers. This facilitates better coordination and continuity of care, reducing the chances of medical errors and ensuring that patients receive consistent and accurate treatment. Furthermore, digital platforms can support remote monitoring and telemedicine, allowing healthcare providers to manage patients with chronic conditions like diabetes more effectively.
Digital health platforms also play a crucial role in patient education and engagement. By providing patients with access to their health data, educational resources, and personalised health plans, these platforms empower individuals to take a more active role in managing their health. This can lead to better adherence to treatment plans, lifestyle modifications, and improved health outcomes.
Moreover, integrating digital technology in healthcare can support public health initiatives by providing valuable data for epidemiological studies and health surveillance. This data can help identify trends, track disease outbreaks, and evaluate the effectiveness of public health interventions, enabling more informed decision-making and policy development.
Integrating digital technology in managing diabetes mellitus and other health conditions in Indonesia is a critical step towards improving healthcare outcomes and addressing the challenges faced by the healthcare system.
By embracing digital health platforms, Indonesia can enhance the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of healthcare services, ultimately leading to a healthier population and reduced burden of chronic diseases like diabetes. Professor Dr Hikmat Permana’s insights highlight the importance of this digital transformation and the need for a comprehensive approach to healthcare management in the modern era.
