Hello, Doc! Telemedicine Can Be Even Better
“A lifesaver for mild symptoms and quick info”
“It’s helpful for mild illnesses or just to check on my condition. For example, I compare my symptoms to see if they’re serious or if I need to see a doctor. That’s about it.”
That’s how Dita, not her real name, describes her experience with telemedicine. Short and simple, yet with a positive tone. It signals that telemedicine in Indonesia still has room to grow.
Despite significant investments from health-tech startups, the industry has yet to reach its full potential. There are still challenges to overcome for wider adoption and better service.
Telemedicine’s big break: the COVID-19 era
Before the pandemic, telemedicine was barely on anyone’s radar. But when COVID-19 hit and social distancing became the norm, telemedicine stepped into the spotlight. With travel restrictions and limited access to healthcare facilities, people had no choice but to rely on telehealth apps.
Even after the pandemic, telemedicine didn’t fade away. While usage has declined, a portion of users continues to depend on these services. According to the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey, only 2.2% of Indonesians aged 15 and above have ever used telemedicine apps. With an estimated 212.6 million people in this age group (according to Statistics Indonesia), that translates to just around 4.7 million users.
Who stays and who leaves?
Unfortunately, official surveys don’t dig deep into user experiences and expectations. However, private research firms have conducted surveys that offer valuable insights, even if their demographics differ from government data.
One key finding is that only one in three telemedicine users is using it less frequently. The rest continue using it, and some even rely on it more.
Why? Because they’re already familiar with it and find it easy and effective. Like Dita, many users turn to telemedicine for quick health checks before deciding on their next steps. Additionally, promotions and discounts make telemedicine an attractive option—especially with rising healthcare costs.
Read also: Who Are the Users of Telemedicine in Indonesia?
Three biggest advantages of telemedicine
- Saves time – No need for long queues or unnecessary hospital visits, especially when you’re unwell.
- Flexible and accessible – Get medical advice anytime, anywhere, as long as there’s an internet connection. This is crucial in a vast archipelagic country like Indonesia.
- Cost-effective – When factoring in travel costs and lost productivity, telemedicine often turns out to be a cheaper alternative—especially with discounts.
Telemedicine as a job creator
Another overlooked benefit of telemedicine is its role in job creation. Health-tech companies require a variety of professionals, including:
- Doctors: The core of telemedicine services, providing virtual consultations and diagnoses.
- Nurses: Monitoring patients remotely and providing health education.
- Pharmacists: Helping patients understand prescriptions and medications online.
- Nutritionists: Offering dietary and nutritional advice.
- Psychologists and psychiatrists: Providing remote therapy and counseling.
Beyond healthcare professionals, telemedicine platforms also employ programmers, administrators, finance staff, and even office support roles like receptionists and cleaning staff. This means telemedicine is not just revolutionizing healthcare but also contributing to the economy.
What needs improvement?
If telemedicine is so beneficial, why isn’t it more widely used? Surveys indicate several reasons why some users are pulling away:
- Preference for in-person consultations: With the pandemic over, some people prefer face-to-face interactions with doctors.
- Limitations of remote diagnosis: A lack of physical examinations can lead to less accurate diagnoses.
- Communication barriers: Some users find it difficult to express concerns and receive satisfactory responses in virtual consultations.
Essentially, trust remains a major challenge in telemedicine. In healthcare, a strong doctor-patient relationship is crucial, and for many, that trust is harder to establish online.
Technical issues also play a role. Some users find telemedicine apps difficult to navigate, which can be frustrating—especially when they’re unwell. Additionally, concerns over data privacy deter some from using the service.
What users want from telemedicine
There’s still huge potential for telemedicine in Indonesia. Based on user feedback, here are a few key improvements that could make telemedicine more appealing:
- Doctor reviews & ratings : Transparency about healthcare providers can increase user trust.
- Integrated digital medical records: A system that stores and provides access to medical history would be extremely beneficial, especially for chronic patients.
- More accurate diagnoses: Advancements like medical sensors could enhance diagnostic reliability.
A promising future
Telemedicine in Indonesia has come a long way, but it still has room to grow. By addressing trust issues, improving user experience, and leveraging new technologies, it has the potential to become an integral part of Indonesia’s healthcare system.
With the right improvements, telemedicine could not only enhance healthcare accessibility but also drive economic growth—creating jobs and making medical services more affordable for millions. Here’s to a healthier and more connected Indonesia!
