DPR Proposes Health Ministry Use AI for Disease Analysis

A member of Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR) has proposed that the Ministry of Health utilise artificial intelligence (AI) to address the shortage of doctors in the regions. The suggestion was made by Deputy Chair of Commission IX, Nihayatul Wafiroh, during a meeting with Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin at the Parliament Complex in Central Jakarta on Thursday, 25 June 2026. “I am not a medical professional, but I imagine that many sectors are now assisted by AI,” Nihayatul said. “Is it possible, Sir, that in certain areas where there may be a lack of medical personnel, we could be assisted by AI?” Nihayatul suggested that the use of AI could be maximised to analyse patient illnesses. “At the very least, to help our patients by analysing diseases and so on, just to bridge the gap,” she stated. The PKB politician noted that the process of producing new doctors takes a long time, as they must continue their education, such as clinical rotations. Furthermore, not all doctors who have completed their education are willing to be transferred or to work in the regions, particularly in remote areas. “So, can existing technology replace the physical presence of a doctor? Even though it certainly won’t be optimal, perhaps for certain diseases,” Nihayatul remarked. She also touched upon the success of remote surgery previously performed by doctors in Indonesia. “If that can be done, remote examinations in areas without doctors could also be a solution,” she concluded.