Strengthening The Role Of Pharmacists, Haleon Launches HPMI And ARJUNA Chatbots, This Is Its Function

Haleon Launches HPMI And ARJUNA Chatbot (Doc. Haleon)

JAKARTA - Haleon Indonesia, part of a global leader in the consumer health sector, officially launched the Haleon Pain Management Institute (HPMI) and introduced ARJUNA, a virtual assistant designed to empower health workers, at the West Java 2025 Community Pharmaceutical Seminary Association (HISFARMA) which was held in Bandung on September 6.

This launch is the first for HPMI in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, affirming Haleon's commitment to improving public health education and supporting health workers, especially pharmacists who play the forefront of providing daily self-care to patients in Indonesia.

Pharmacists are increasingly recognized as important actors in the landscape of Indonesian health services. Based on the Southeast Asia Experts' Recommendation Study 2025 from Haleon, 49% of Indonesian patients chose self-medication, compared to 39% who consulted with general practitioners and 12% with specialist doctors. This trend places pharmacies as the main access point for health services, with eight out of ten patients trusting pharmacists for pain management guidance. However, not all pharmacists have the provisions to deal with complex health problems. Through HPMI, Haleon aims to bridge this gap by providing knowledge, tools, and digital innovation to improve pharmacist capabilities.

The Haleon Pain Management Institute is a digital educational platform built on three main pillars: strengthening patient knowledge and support, accelerating science and research in pain management, and increasing education and practitioner skills. Supported by a global faculty consisting of well-known pain experts, HPMI has been launched in various countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Kenya, Brazil, and South Africa, making Indonesia its first debut in Southeast Asia and Taiwan.

Complementing HPMI is ARJUNA, a WhatsApp-based chatbot developed specifically for health workers. ARJUNA functions as a smart companion, provides quick access to information on Haleon products, educational sources, and support services. Health workers can use ARJUNA to request product samples, schedule medical representatives visits, register webinars, and receive the latest updates. With more than 24,000 professionals who have joined the Haleon Health Partner database, ARJUNA is ready to strengthen engagement and collaboration in the Indonesian health community.

Dhanica Mae Dumo-Tiu, President Director of Haleon Indonesia, stated: "Our internal study shows that eight out of ten Indonesians trust pharmacists for pain management advice. This trust places them at the heart of community health services and highlights the need for better support. With the launch of HPMI and ARJUNA, we provide pharmacists with tools and knowledge to meet these expectations. Our mission is simple: to ensure that every patient is heard, every professional is supported, and no one faces pain alone."

Esti Lestari, Chair of HISFARMA West Java, added: Almost 29 percent of the population reports health complaints in one month. This places West Java among the top ten in Indonesia1. As an organization that represents pharmacists in West Java, we see firsthand the challenges faced by our members in serving people who often rely on independent treatment. Pharmacists are trusted, but not always given resources to support patients optimally. That is why we value partnerships like this with Haleon. Initiatives such as HPMI and chatbot ARJUNA are an important step in supporting nearly 10,000 pharmaceutical workers in West Java in order to serve the community with the knowledge and tools needed. Through such initiatives pharmacists can actually carry out their role as the main partner in patient care."

Dika Pramita Destiani, M. Farm., Apt, Lecturer at Padjadjaran University, stressed: "In a country where self-defense is very common, pharmacists must have adequate information to ensure safe and effective care. Their role has evolved from being just a drug giver to being a trusted advisor. It is very encouraging to see global brands such as Haleon acknowledge and support this transformation."

Haleon's presence at West Java 2025's HISFARMA also featured a monument titled Beyond the Counter: The Role of Pharmacists in Independent Care of Pain and Cough, with speakers including Dika Pramita Destiani and representatives of West Java's HISFARMA. The company also presents an interactive experience of Pain Journey to deepen pharmacist understanding of pain management. In addition, Haleon introduced Panadol 4S and Active 25mL, expanding its standalone care portfolio of pain and breathing with more affordable options for Indonesian consumers.

In the future, the Haleon Pain Management Institute targets to empower 20 million people who live with pain by 2030, strengthening Haleon's belief that no one should face pain alone. Through collaboration, education, and innovation, Haleon continues to fight for better health outcomes for all Indonesian people.