Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in health screening in Indonesia is now expanding. This technology is considered crucial in aiding early disease detection.
According to Budi, the use of AI in X-ray analysis is no longer solely focused on tuberculosis but is also being utilized to detect pneumonia, lung cancer, and various other diseases. The statement was made during a working meeting with Commission IX of the House of Representatives at the Parliamentary Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday, January 19th.
"So, now X-rays are not just for Tuberculosis; they can be used for Pneumonia, for other diseases, lung cancer, all sorts—we're using it for everything, yes," he said.
Budi explained that AI's ability to analyze data resembles that of a doctor, but with a vastly broader scope of experience, as it learns from millions of patient records.
"Because this AI is like a doctor, except if a doctor has experience with 1,000 patients, 5,000 patients, this one learns from 5 million patients, 10 million patients," he continued.
He added that AI is now integrated with digital X-ray screening systems in various healthcare facilities. Examination results are directly analyzed by AI to flag potential emerging diseases.
"So, our screening now is digital X-ray screening, we input it directly to the AI, and it provides markers. It indicates what potential illnesses might be present," Budi clarified.
The use of AI is deemed highly beneficial, especially for general practitioners with limited clinical experience, as the technology enables learning based on vast amounts of data.
"Especially for general practitioners whose experience might still be 5,000, 10,000 patients. Here, we can immediately teach them with data from 5 million, 10 million, 25 million people. Yes, with current technology, we can do that," he stated.
In addition to tuberculosis, Budi mentioned that AI will also be applied in CT scan examinations and anatomical pathology to assist doctors in more accurately identifying disease indicators. He emphasized that AI is one of the main focuses for the future development of health technology at the Ministry of Health, alongside biotechnology and robotics.
"This is about health technology. We have three main focuses for future health technology. First is biotechnology, second is AI, and the third is robotics," said Budi.
Concluding, Budi announced the establishment of the BGSi (Biomedical Genome Science Initiative) institution, which has already recruited 20,000 patients and will operate at Marzoeki Mahdi Hospital in Bogor.
"We have created an institution called BGSi (Biomedical Genome Science Initiative), and it has successfully recruited 20,000 patients. It will be located at Marzoeki Mahdi Hospital in Bogor," he concluded.
Writer/Video Editor: Sisilia Rosadi
Producer: Indana Zulfa
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