Optimizing Thyroid Screening in Indonesia: A Step Toward Better Health Outcomes

On November 5, 2024, the Center for Health Administration and Policy Studies (CHAMPS) at the Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia, held a Policy Dialogue on Healthcare Innovations at the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta. This crucial event, titled “Closing the Gap: Optimizing Thyroid Screening in Indonesia,” gathered distinguished experts, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to discuss strategies for enhancing thyroid screening and early detection across Indonesia.

Thyroid disorders, affecting over 200 million people worldwide, remain under-recognized and under-diagnosed, despite their severe impact on individual health and productivity. These disorders, which include hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can cause significant complications if not detected early—ranging from metabolic issues and cardiovascular diseases to cognitive and reproductive health problems. In Indonesia, where recent studies indicate a growing prevalence of thyroid issues, especially in high-risk populations, the need for proactive thyroid screening has become urgent.

Key Themes of the Dialogue
The Policy Dialogue served as a platform to address Indonesia’s unique challenges in thyroid screening and emphasized the importance of multi-sector collaboration in achieving effective health outcomes. The event included two key sessions:

1. Current Situation, Challenges, and Progress on Thyroid Screening Policy
   Expert speakers discussed the current landscape of thyroid screening in Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific region. This session addressed gaps in thyroid care access and emphasized the need for raising public awareness to make thyroid health a national priority. Dr. Miguel Manuel C. Dorotan, a Senior Health Manager at Economist Impact, presented on the importance of prioritizing thyroid disease within regional health policies to bridge this gap.
2. Focus Group Discussion on Policy Acceleration for High-Risk Groups
   The second session featured an interactive discussion on advancing thyroid screening policies, particularly for pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with autoimmune disorders. The dialogue resulted in several actionable policy recommendations for Indonesia, focusing on the integration of thyroid screening within the National Health Insurance (JKN) and strengthening data collection to support policy planning.

Policy Recommendations for Action
The Policy Dialogue concluded with a set of recommendations to improve thyroid disorder management and screening accessibility:

• Prioritize Screening in High-Risk Groups. Screening should be targeted at pregnant women, individuals over 60, and those with autoimmune conditions, as these groups face higher risks of thyroid disorders.
• Strengthen Cross-Sector Collaboration. A “pentahelix” model involving the government, healthcare providers, academia, the private sector, and communities can drive sustainable and effective policy implementation.
• Invest in Education and Training. Frontline healthcare providers must be trained to recognize and manage thyroid disorders. Enhancing their competence will help ensure early detection and appropriate treatment.
• Enhance Data Collection and Management. Comprehensive data on thyroid disorders in Indonesia is essential for effective policy development and planning. Accurate data will inform screening initiatives and help monitor the health outcomes of screened populations.
• Evaluate Cost-Effectiveness. Studies on the cost-effectiveness of universal screening will inform policy decisions on expanding thyroid screening, ensuring that investments bring maximum benefit to the public.

Looking Forward
The Policy Dialogue was an essential step toward bridging gaps in thyroid screening in Indonesia. It underscored the role of early detection in preventing severe health complications and reducing long-term healthcare costs. As Indonesia works toward its goal of a healthier population, the recommendations and collaborative efforts arising from this event are expected to inform national policies and drive improvements in public health outcomes.

CHAMPS extends its gratitude to the dedicated experts, speakers, and stakeholders who contributed to this event and look forward to continued collaboration in advancing healthcare policies for a healthier Indonesia.

Stay tuned to CHAMPS UI’s website and social media channels for more updates on this initiative and future healthcare policy dialogues.