Philips and stakeholders call for wider adoption of advanced technologies to deliver better heart care for all in Indonesia

Speaking at a multi-stakeholder dialogue titled, “The digital transformation of cardiovascular care: advancements, challenges and the path forward”, they laid out plans to harness innovation and technologies for better, faster and more accessible cardiovascular care amid a shortage of healthcare professionals. The dialogue took place at the Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta and was attended by leading national media outlets.

Cardiovascular disease is a significant health challenge in Indonesia. About 650,000 people are diagnosed every year [1] and it is the leading cause of death in Indonesia. [2] Heart disease alone places a financial burden of 10.3 trillion rupiah, or over US$700 million, on the healthcare system annually. [3]

Beyond the shortage of specialists, healthcare facilities in underserved areas often lack the resources to manage cardiovascular conditions effectively. These systemic challenges create significant gaps in care and contribute to the growing disease burden nationwide.

Heart disease is no longer confined to older adults. More young Indonesians, even those in their 20s and 30s, are being diagnosed. [5]

“Cardiovascular disease is now affecting younger adults at the prime of their lives. This prevents them and their loved ones from focusing on their livelihoods as they adjust to a lifetime of managing the condition,” said dr. Ario. “It is critical that we accelerate disease awareness, promote prevention, and drive early detection and treatment. Catching it early is the best way to reduce complications and alleviate the healthcare strain in Indonesia,” he added.

drg. Iing Ichsan Hanafi, MARS., MH, Chairman of the Indonesian Private Hospital Association (ARSSI) also underscored this matter. "The growing number of younger patients with heart disease is a wake-up call for all hospitals. We must strengthen our readiness — not just in treatment, but also in early detection and preventive care. Our focus needs to shift towards delivering faster, more proactive, and patient-centered services across all age groups,” he stated.

All stakeholders agreed that AI-powered imaging, treatment and monitoring, as well as better integration of patient data across healthcare settings will bridge critical care gaps. These, combined with AI-driven virtual care technologies, will enable local healthcare providers to deliver faster, more effective care, even in rural and resource-constrained settings. Healthcare leaders are already planning to incorporate such technologies. According to the Philips Future Health Index 2024, 74% of healthcare leaders in Indonesia plan to invest in generative AI in the next three years – well above the global average of 56%. [6]

Philips is working with healthcare providers to improve productivity and workflow across the entire care journey. AI-powered imaging solutions, such as cardiac ultrasound, CT and MRI, are helping clinicians detect heart conditions earlier and with greater accuracy, while reducing time for diagnosis. Automated measurements and real-time insights also streamline clinical workflows and increase diagnostic confidence.

Integrated informatics platforms are supporting care for complex cardiac cases by connecting imaging and clinical data across departments. Multidisciplinary teams, from catheterization laboratories, echo, CT, to MRI, can now access a single, unified patient view to track disease progression and make faster, more informed decisions. Digital tools like remote monitoring and predictive analytics empower clinicians to manage chronic conditions proactively, reduce unnecessary hospital visits, and keep patients engaged in their own care.

Astri Ramayanti Dharmawan, President Director of Philips Indonesia said, “Indonesia’s fight against heart disease requires more than manpower – it demands innovation. With a shortage of cardiologists and a rising burden of cardiovascular disease, we need health technology solutions that enable earlier diagnosis and faster intervention. We’re committed to building a stronger and more resilient healthcare system – in line with our vision to deliver better care for more people.”