Hospitals Need To Be Wise In Choosing Medical Technology So As Not To Be A Burden

Hospital technology illustration (Freepic)

JAKARTA In the midst of advances in global medical technology, hospitals in Indonesia are required to transform. Not only in services and management, but also in terms of technology investment.

However, according to Hadi Filino Gunarto, former CEO of PT Pindad Medika Utama, this investment must be right on target, not just following the trend.

"Technology such as MRI, CT-Scan, Cath Lab, and even AI are no longer complementary. This is a necessity. But if it is not planned carefully, it could be an expensive tool just display," he told reporters, Tuesday (10/6/2025).

Hadi, who is also a public health issue observer, highlighted the gap in access to technology between large and small hospitals. Major hospitals in key cities have complete facilities, while small or medium-sized hospitals are difficult to develop. As a result, more than one million Indonesians seek treatment abroad every year. Data from the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture in 2025 states that foreign exchange leaks due to this phenomenon reached Rp200 trillion.

Investment in medical devices worth billions of rupiah cannot be done carelessly. For example, MRI costs Rp. 15' 25 billion. But the tariff is set by BPJS. If it is not calculated carefully, the equipment can be unemployed or damaged before returning the capital," said Hadi.

He emphasized the importance of a feasibility study (FS) for all investment plans above Rp500 million. FS must include patient projections, operational costs, HR readiness, and income analysis.

"We used to require an open FS presentation in front of the board of directors, so that there would be no impulsive decisions," he added.

If the investment is too expensive, the hospital can work together. The leasing scheme, pay-per-use, and profit sharing with medical device vendors are now widely used. There are also hospitals in one group that share tools and build diagnostic centers together.

In addition to medical devices, hospitals also need to invest in the hospital management information system (SIMRS).

"Without good IT infrastructure, services will be slow, BPJS claims will stagnate, and data on patients prone to leakage," said Hadi, who is also the administrator of the Community Health Literacy Communication Foundation.

Unfortunately, many hospitals still view IT as a burden, not an investment. Whereas the digital system can accelerate services, reduce errors, and increase hospital cash flow.

Hadi emphasized that investment must be based on real needs. Don't just because other hospitals buy new tools, then join in. Mapping of patient data and local epidemiology must be the basis. If there are many cases of stroke, prioritize integrated stroke services, not surgical robots," he said.

The government has provided incentives such as exemption from medical devices and soft credit import duties. However, the implementation is slow due to thecincation and lack of human resources capable of compiling a strong investment proposal.

Meanwhile, private hospitals rely on loans or reinvestments. Thus, hospital financial management must be healthy and have a long-term view.

According to Hadi, successful hospitals are those who can manage technology investment wisely and data-based. "A magnificent building and specialist doctors are not enough. Patients need fast, accurate, and humane services. Technology must be a strategic partner, not a burden," he concluded.