Regulating On-Demand Health Professionals in the Digital Era

Digital technology has significantly transformed the healthcare sector, particularly with the rise of on-demand health professionals. Through digital platforms like Healthpro, doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners can now provide services directly to patients with greater flexibility—without being tied to traditional healthcare institutions. While this innovation enhances healthcare accessibility, it also poses new challenges in terms of regulation and oversight. 

Currently, the legal framework governing on-demand healthcare practice in Indonesia is still evolving. Most existing laws, such as Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health and related Minister of Health regulations, were drafted under a conventional paradigm—where health professionals are employed by hospitals or clinics. However, the on-demand system changes this structure entirely: medical practitioners can now work independently, visit patients at home, and interact via digital platforms. 

One of the key regulatory challenges is licensing and accreditation. The government must ensure that all health professionals operating through digital platforms hold valid practice permits and meet professional competency standards. Collaboration between the Ministry of Health and platform providers is therefore crucial. Some platforms have already implemented digital verification systems using STR (Registration Certificate) and SIP (Practice License) databases to validate practitioners’ credentials. 

Another major concern is patient protection and data security. Since on-demand healthcare relies on digital systems, sensitive patient information must be safeguarded with strict cybersecurity standards. The implementation of Indonesia’s Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP) reinforces that service providers are legally obligated to maintain user confidentiality. For digital healthcare, compliance with data protection regulations is not just a legal requirement—it is an ethical commitment to patient trust. 

Equally important is defining the employment status of on-demand health workers. Should they be considered freelancers, professional partners, or employees of the platform? This classification affects their legal rights, including insurance, labor protection, and social security. The Ministry of Manpower, together with health authorities, needs to develop a flexible legal framework that protects healthcare workers while maintaining their professional independence. 

With well-designed regulations, innovation and patient safety can coexist. The government can play a proactive role in building a secure, fair, and sustainable digital health ecosystem. Standardized procedures, certification systems, and integrated supervision can help make the on-demand model an official component of Indonesia’s national healthcare transformation. 

Ultimately, regulation should not serve as a barrier but as a foundation for quality, safety, and fairness—for medical professionals, digital platforms, and patients alike. When managed properly, the on-demand healthcare model could become a vital pillar of Indonesia’s modern healthcare system, balancing innovation with public accountability.