Explores the Distinction Between Medicine and Health, Emphasizing Ethics and Human Rights

Yogyakarta, February 5th, 2025 – Raboan Research and Perspective Sharing returns at the beginning of February, raising an important topic related to medicine and health. This event features a distinguished speaker, dr. Noorman Herryadi, Sp.F, S.H, the Chairman of the Honorary Council of Indonesian Medical Ethics (MKEK) and a Forensic Ethical-Legal Consultant. The discussion is moderated by Fahmi Baiquni, S.Psi., M.P.H, from the Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities (CBMH) Faculty of Medicine Public Health and Nursing FK-KMK UGM.

In this discussion, dr. Noorman Herryadi elaborates on the definitions and differences between medicine and health, which are often sources of confusion among medical professionals and the general public. Medicine is not just a science, but also an art in understanding diseases and their cures. The speaker explains that medicine encompasses various aspects, ranging from disease prediction, the relationship between humans, to the ethical principles that every doctor must uphold.

During his presentation, dr. Noorman quotes several sources, including Dorland’s Medical Dictionary and the philosophy of Paracelsus, who stated that: 

“Medicine is not only a science, but an art.” 

He emphasizes that medicine is not only limited to curative aspects but also includes other medical efforts such as promotive, preventive, and rehabilitative measures.

Furthermore, dr. Noorman stresses that medicine must be based on ethics. Medical ethics is rooted in the doctor’s oath and humanitarian principles, where doctors are required to practice their profession with high integrity.

In addition to discussing medicine, the session also highlights the definition of health based on Law No. 17 of 2023, which includes physical, mental, and social aspects. The speaker underscores that health is a fundamental human right, and the government has the obligation to provide adequate healthcare services for the public.

This session of Raboan Research and Perspective Sharing provides a deep understanding that medicine and health are interrelated but have different scopes. Medicine focuses on diagnosis and treatment, while health encompasses broader aspects, including social well-being and public policy.

In conclusion, this Raboan Research and Perspective Sharing session reaffirms that a proper understanding of medicine and health is crucial to improving the quality of healthcare services in Indonesia. A broader understanding of medicine aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), which emphasizes the importance of access to quality healthcare for everyone.

Without Calibration, Medical Devices Can Become a Threat, Not a Solution

(A presentation on medical device calibration by Anggie Maulana Subkhan, SKM, M.Bio.Et.)

(A presentation on medical device calibration by Anggie Maulana Subkhan, SKM, M.Bio.Et.)

Yogyakarta, January 15, 2025 – Raboan Research and Perspective Sharing returned with an engaging topic titled “Ethical Issues in Medical Device Calibration Services”. This event was attended by healthcare professionals, practitioners, and students interested in bioethics and medical device calibration.

The webinar featured Anggie Maulana Subkhan, SKM, M.Bio.Et, as the keynote speaker. Anggie, a calibration technician at the Yogyakarta Health Office and an alumnus of the Master of Bioethics program, brought valuable insights into the ethical challenges faced in the medical sector. He emphasized that medical device calibration is not just crucial for accreditation but also essential for patient safety, ensuring accurate measurement results.

Anggie also discussed ethical dilemmas in the calibration process, including the lack of trained personnel, unaccredited calibration institutions, and budget constraints often faced by healthcare facilities. With existing regulations, such as the Ministry of Health Regulation No. 54 of 2015 on medical device testing and calibration, it is vital for all stakeholders to understand the critical role of calibration in preventing serious health risks caused by device errors.

This discussion strongly aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. Accurate and ethical medical device calibration ensures precise diagnoses, reduces medical errors, and enhances patient safety. Additionally, the webinar supports SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by highlighting the importance of fair regulations, institutional capacity building, and ethical accountability in healthcare services. The collaboration among institutions discussed during this session reflects collective efforts to sustain a global health system.

The Raboan session provided profound insights into the importance of ethics in medical device calibration and its contribution to the quality of healthcare services. The event also emphasized the need for collaboration between healthcare institutions, calibration agencies, and the community to ensure calibration processes are conducted effectively and in compliance with standards.

(Group photo session with Raboan participants)

For more information, visit our Instagram pages @cbmh_ugm and @bioetika.ugm or contact us via email at cbmhfkugm@mail.ugm.ac.id.

Reporter          : Alvira Rahmasari, S.H.G.

Editor              : Rafi Khairuna Wibisono, S.Kom.