Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is collaborating with PT Roche Indonesia on a trial initiative to enhance vision health services through the Diabetic Retinopathy Initiative (DRIVE) project. The agreement was signed by UGM Vice-Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, and President Director of PT Roche Indonesia, Sanaa Sayagh, in the UGM Executive Meeting Room on Friday (Nov. 14).
Through this collaboration, UGM plays a role in developing technical implementation, conducting operational research, and transferring science-based knowledge.
UGM’s contribution includes the utilization of tele-ophthalmology technology, the development of screening and referral protocols, and capacity building for healthcare workers through intensive training for general practitioners and health personnel at community health centers (puskesmas).
Vice-Rector Hadmoko stated that this collaboration represents a synergy between universities, industry, and the government. He hopes the resulting innovations will create a broad impact on society.
“We hope that this research and innovation can be adopted widely by communities across Indonesia as a strategic agenda to address the highly detrimental effects of the challenging diseases they face,” he said.
President Director Sanaa Sayagh views the partnership as a strategic step toward strengthening access to eye health services in Indonesia.
“We are dedicated to being an active party in addressing health challenges and contributing to a stronger and more resilient health system,” she said.
Sayagh added that this long-term collaboration focuses on technological advancement and improved standards of care.
The initiative is expected to deliver a comprehensive approach, from screening to treatment, aligned with national standards.
“By combining this collaboration, we can achieve clear and remarkable outcomes for the nation and deliver the valuable gift of science to future generations in Indonesia,” she stated.
Director of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Directorate General of Disease Prevention and Control, Indonesian Ministry of Health, Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, also expressed appreciation for the contributions of all parties supporting the project.
She noted that the screening method developed has strong potential to be integrated into national health policy.
“I hope the screening method can become a national policy,” she said.
Author: Jesi Pratiwi
Editor: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographer: Firsto Adi