Humans are inherently greedy creatures. When faced with inconvenience, they strive to overcome it and seek even more convenient systems. The countries of the South World are also working to improve their healthcare systems as their economies develop. Indonesia is one such example. Indonesia’s annual per capita healthcare expenditure of $112 is significantly lower than the US’s $9,800 and Japan’s $4,200. Indonesia has 3.7 doctors per 10,000 people, fewer than Japan’s 24 and China’s 17. Hospital visits often involve long waiting times. Improving this situation would lead to improved healthcare infrastructure, increased public health, and business opportunities. One company has partnered with 500 hospitals in the Jakarta metropolitan area and elsewhere to enable telemedicine and hospital appointments. This company aims to expand its business by targeting the health-conscious urban middle class.
Indonesia is aiming for higher economic growth while simultaneously increasing its population. Indonesia is a country that prioritizes child welfare, including implementing a nationwide free school meal system. However, the problem is that approximately 20% of children under the age of five are considered to have stunted growth. One contributing factor is a shortage of doctors. While Indonesia’s doctor shortage is less severe than in countries like Vietnam and Malaysia, the majority of doctors are concentrated on Java, where Jakarta is located, leading to significant regional disparities. Of course, where there are inconveniences, companies emerge to solve them. The number of startups addressing the medical needs of children is increasing. Currently, there is a growing number of startups providing digital medical services for children. These companies aim to grow their businesses while supporting children’s health through the use of digital technology. The role of startups in improving the overall medical standards of this country is likely to expand even further in the future.
Lintan Chandra Ulan, a civil servant, lives in Pogo, near the capital Jakarta. Every month, Ulan uses the pediatric medical app “Primak” to record her one-year-old daughter’s physical condition. She says that “Primak” allows her to check whether her child’s development is normal. This app also offers features such as telemedicine with specialists, vaccination management, and nutritional guidance. Many of its features are available for free, and it has already gained over 3 million registered users. Users say it’s helpful because it saves them from having to visit the clinic every month, especially while juggling work. The app’s operating company, Primac, was founded in 2018. Their goal appears to be building a pediatric healthcare ecosystem that connects parents, doctors, and medical institutions.
