This article was written following my invitation to speak at the 2022 Indonesian HIV Research Network National Meeting (Pertemuan Nasional Jaringan Penelitian HIV Indonesia 2022) this December. I truly enjoyed sharing my thoughts on Health Technology (HT), even though I’m not an expert in the field. I accepted the invitation because I believed that my perspective as a user and beneficiary of health technology might be valuable for colleagues working in health services and programs, particularly in the private sector. I sincerely hope it was.
This opportunity allowed me to reflect on the meaning of Health Technology (HT), both in my personal daily life and in my professional roles as a clinician and manager in a private health organization.
To stay focused and avoid rambling, I referred to several sources to better understand the concept of HT.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health technology as “the application of organized knowledge and skills in the form of devices, medicines, vaccines, procedures, and systems developed to solve a health problem and improve quality of life.”
- Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Health Law (Law No. 36/2009), Chapter 42, states that:
“Technology and health technology products shall be researched, distributed, developed, and utilized for public health.” It further explains that health technology includes “all methods and tools used to prevent disease, detect illness, relieve suffering, cure, minimize complications, and restore health after illness.”
Based on these definitions—and my own experience in embracing technological advancements—I am convinced that the development and use of technology greatly benefit daily life by making activities easier, faster, and more accurate. Moreover, the pace of digital innovation continues to grow rapidly, offering even broader opportunities for improvement in health services.
The benefits of technological advancement are strongly felt in the health sector, the field in which I am actively involved as a doctor, clinician, and manager of organizations engaged in primary health and social enterprise work. My reflections over the past few days have led me to conclude that progress in Health Technology (HT) brings not only significant benefits but also meaningful challenges. These challenges vary depending on the needs, context, and conditions that influence decisions when selecting and accessing the appropriate health technologies.
Health technology does not exist in isolation. It is closely interconnected with other types of technology, particularly those in the fields of information, communication, and education. Examples include information and communication technologies such as websites, television, radio, email, mobile phones, instant messaging and social media platforms, as well as meeting applications like Zoom and Google Meet. Educational technologies—such as online learning systems—are also closely related, often complementing and supporting the implementation of health technology.
The rapid development of health technology (HT) today can be illustrated as a busy shopping mall—filled with a wide variety of models, each promoted with attractive and aggressive offers, and crowded with eager visitors wanting to try or buy. Buyers even compete with one another, reflecting the diversity of individual challenges, needs, goals, abilities, and situations.
More specifically, these variations can be seen in several ways:
- Different needs and goals. Each sector—public, private, or government—has its own reasons and objectives for adopting technology.
- Availability of funds. Whether the technology can be afforded independently or depends on external funding from organizations, grants, or even international partners.
- Limited accessibility. Sometimes the technology is still in the research or testing phase, or it’s a new prototype not yet imported, or it’s restricted by regulations.
- Confusion in selection. Should the technology be used for screening, diagnostics, treatment, or prevention—or a combination? Are we choosing based on actual need, or simply desire? Are the decisions personal, organizational, regional, or national?
- Following the majority. At times, we adopt a particular technology simply because it’s already widely used, making integration easier and costs lower.
- Trend-driven adoption. Sometimes we follow trends unconsciously—just to appear advanced.
- Lack of choice. In some cases, technology becomes mandatory even when it may not be suitable.
- Data security and privacy. Protecting personal and organizational data is critical; misuse or unauthorized access must be prevented.
- Purpose of use. Is the technology intended for public health or individual health benefits?
When it comes to saving lives, the issue becomes even more complex. If a certain technology is needed by someone we love, we would go to great lengths to obtain it—regardless of cost or scientific certainty.
In the private sector, my greatest challenge is determining how to adapt and select the most appropriate technology within the limits of available funds, resources, and infrastructure. At Angsamerah, we are particularly concerned with the security and privacy of both patient and company data, as our services focus on areas often surrounded by stigma—sexual health, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mental health.
A poor choice of technology can backfire. Instead of helping, it can complicate systems, increase costs, and reduce effectiveness. In contrast, when we clearly understand the purpose of investing in technology, even large expenditures become justifiable—as long as there is a sound cost-benefit analysis, comparing expected benefits against the financial and operational costs.
Let me share Angsamerah’s experience in implementing HT. As a private organization applying a social entrepreneurship approach, we provide differentiated models of primary health services to meet community needs, particularly in sexual and mental health care and related illnesses. Many of our services are linked to public health programs, whether funded by the government or supported through international grants from partners such as USAID, ASHM, and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).
Angsamerah has developed several independent, investment-based health service models and programs, including clinics, online consultations, independent physician practices, pharmacies, Angsamerah POS (Health Check Points), mobile clinics, the Kacapikir educational program, and the Angsamerah Blog, which now features over 800 articles. We also designed our own management application. Each unit uses technology suited to its goals and operational needs, all interconnected within the broader organizational system.
How do we choose the right health technology?
Our team follows three stages:
1. The first stage – Define the ideal expectations.
We begin by referring to the characteristics of ideal health technology:
- Proven accuracy and quality
- Zero side effects and non-invasive
- Practical, fast, low maintenance, and easy to operate
- Affordable or even free/open-source
- Easily accessible anywhere
- Environmentally safe
However, I realize that perfect technology is an illusion. “Ideal” is always relative—human health needs are complex and constantly evolving alongside environmental and socio-cultural changes, while technological development is limited by time, knowledge, skills, and cost.
2. The second stage – Conduct a thorough analysis.
We carefully analyze:
- The purpose of the technology—clinical, non-clinical, or managerial
- The reasons it’s needed, and how it differs or connects with existing tools
- The providers or partners involved in designing, supplying, or operating it
This process helps us select technologies systematically, ensuring that new systems integrate well with those already in use.
3. The third stage – Apply five filtering elements.
We evaluate selected technologies using five key filters:
- Quality. Accuracy, safety, and risk levels for patients, staff, and the environment.
- Client-centered design. Technologies must meet client needs—non-invasive, safe, quick, affordable, and easy to use.
- Accessibility and affordability. Services should be efficient and, if possible, available at low or no cost.
- Ease of use for providers. The technology must be simple for staff to learn, operate, and maintain, minimizing human error.
- Management integration. Systems must integrate seamlessly across units—patient bookings, visits, payments, data management, accounting, and customer feedback.
For example, through our Angsamerah management application, all service processes are interconnected—from appointment booking and patient data entry to diagnosis, laboratory results, pharmacy logistics, payment processing, and evaluation. Technology should facilitate, not complicate, team operations.
For reproductive, sexual, and mental health products or medicines, click Angsamerah Pharmacy.
Management Considerations
We ensure that:
- All technologies integrate to avoid duplication.
- Communication between internal teams and external partners remains smooth while safeguarding privacy.
- Maintenance and spare parts are affordable and available.
- Technical support is responsive.
- Cost-benefit analyses are regularly reviewed.
Marketing Integration
Technology also supports social marketing—combining promotion, education, and engagement through platforms such as our website and blog, integrated with Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Through these three stages, my team and I have learned to face the rapid evolution of technology with confidence and control. We don’t rush into adopting new systems. Instead, we minimize confusion, manage costs effectively, and maintain stability. When new technologies emerge, we can integrate or upgrade rather than start over..
This is my brief reflection on the use of health technology from a user’s perspective. I hope you find it useful.
As a final reminder for all of us:
“Perfect technology is an illusion — an ideal technology is relative. Humans are the drivers of development and use; we must shape technology to serve humanity.”
“Be specific. Stay focused. Work step by step. Start with what you can do at no cost or adapt to your capabilities. Be observant and make the most of what already exists.”
Let’s enjoy the work, friends!