AI Technology Boosts Early Detection Of TB, Indonesia Closer To 2030 Elimination

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AI Technology Boosts Early Detection Of TB, Indonesia Closer To 2030 Elimination

Tuesday, 04 Mar 2025

Indonesia continues to accelerate its steps in eliminating Tuberculosis (TB), one of the infectious diseases that is still a national health challenge. In this effort, the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) officially collaborated with technology company Qure.ai to apply artificial intelligence (AI) in early detection of TB through chest X-ray imaging analysis.

This initiative is part of the digital transformation of the health sector to improve service efficiency and accelerate disease diagnosis.

Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized that AI technology can bring major changes to the health system.

"This AI-based technology will open up great opportunities to analyze medical data faster and more accurately, providing a positive impact on both patients and medical personnel," he said while witnessing the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Health and Qure.ai in Jakarta, quoted from the Sehatnegeriku page.

As an initial step, AI from Qure.ai will be used to detect TB and other diseases in several health facilities designated by the Ministry of Health.

In addition, a patient management and reporting system will be developed to strengthen national disease surveillance. With teleradiology services, medical personnel in various regions can access screening results in real-time, allowing for faster diagnosis and action.

Fatmawati Hospital and RSPON Become Pilot Projects

The pilot project will be run at Fatmawati Hospital and the National Brain Center Hospital (RSPON). If proven effective, this technology will be expanded to more health facilities throughout Indonesia. To ensure smooth implementation, adequate infrastructure is needed, including a stable internet connection, cloud hosting, and a medical imaging communication system (PACS).

More than just accelerating early detection, the implementation of this technology will also increase the efficiency of radiology services. By reducing dependence on physical X-ray films, the storage and distribution of medical data becomes more practical and structured. This innovation is expected to ease the burden on medical personnel and ensure that patients receive more optimal services.

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