South Korea and Indonesia pilot AI teleconsultation to expand healthcare access
South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare signed a memorandum of understanding with Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture to develop AI for Healthcare services across the region. The partnership will pilot AI-based teleconsultation in underserved areas, particularly remote island communities in Indonesia.
The agreement identifies five priority areas: AI-based public health for universal coverage, digital wellness programs, AI-driven maternal and child healthcare, community mental health services, and capacity-building in public health resilience.
Health Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong said the effort aims to "reduce disparities in healthcare access across regions and socioeconomic groups and ensure universal health rights."
Regional expansion planned
South Korea and Indonesia will develop collaboration models involving university hospitals, major technology firms, and academic institutions. Both governments plan to expand the model to Vietnam and Thailand.
The initiative sits within South Korea's proposed "Global AI Universal Basic Society" framework, which aims to establish AI-driven primary healthcare cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region.
Indonesia's broader digital health strategy
Indonesia has pursued multiple partnerships to modernize its health system. Last year, GE HealthCare supplied over 300 CT scanners to public hospitals. In July, the Indonesian Ministry of Health signed a long-term partnership with Philips on digital health integration.
In 2024, Indonesia partnered with Google Cloud to explore Generative AI and LLM applications for SATUSEHAT, the national digital health platform. The country is also developing a joint lab with China on safe and regulated use of digital technology in medicine.
A digital health innovation toolkit designed for Indonesia's system and developed with Australian researchers is being integrated into the Indonesian Ministry of Health's sandbox program.
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