The Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities (CBMH) at Universitas Gadjah Mada held another session of its weekly forum, Raboan Research and Perspective Sharing, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. The discussion was conducted virtually via Zoom and explored a timely and important topic: “Telemedicine After the Enactment of Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health.” The session featured Dr. Febriyolla SK Sjaawalz, MH, CIIQA, lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, UPN Veteran Jakarta, as the main speaker, and was moderated by NS Wahyu Dewi Sulistyarini, M.S.N.

In her presentation, Dr. Febriyolla explained how digital technology has significantly transformed the way healthcare services are delivered. One key example is telemedicine—remote healthcare services that use communication technologies. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, as both patients and healthcare providers needed a safe way to access and provide medical care during lockdowns and social restrictions.

Following the enactment of Law No. 17 of 2023, telemedicine in Indonesia now has a clearer legal foundation. This law officially recognizes telemedicine as part of the national health service system. It also mandates that telemedicine must be provided by licensed healthcare professionals through accredited healthcare facilities. Additionally, the law highlights the importance of maintaining high-quality service standards and ensuring the security and confidentiality of patient data.

During the session, participants were invited to explore the benefits of telemedicine, such as broader access to healthcare—especially for people in remote areas—and more efficient use of time and cost. However, Dr. Febriyolla also pointed out several challenges, including limited digital infrastructure, concerns about the accuracy of remote diagnoses, and the risks of data privacy breaches.

From both legal and ethical perspectives, telemedicine must still comply with existing regulations. Informed consent remains essential, and medical records must be securely stored. If malpractice or ethical violations occur, legal enforcement mechanisms continue to apply, just as they would in traditional clinical settings.

The topic closely aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Telemedicine has the potential to reduce health disparities by providing more equitable access to care, even in hard-to-reach regions.

Through this Raboan event, CBMH UGM reaffirms its commitment to fostering interdisciplinary discussions that not only contribute to academic discourse but also address real-world issues that impact communities. Telemedicine is not just a technological tool—it represents a major shift in how we understand and provide healthcare in ways that are inclusive, secure, and just.

Reporter: Alvira Rahmasari, S.H.G.

Editor: Rafi Khairuna Wibisono, S.Kom.