Iran Set to Unveil Innovative iHiT Technology at Jakarta Launch Event

In a significant move to enhance international collaboration in the healthcare sector, an Iranian House of Innovation and Technology (iHiT) is set to be inaugurated in Jakarta, Indonesia. This event coincides with the 37th Indonesia Hospital Expo, taking place from September 25 to 28. The establishment of this center is designed to facilitate the entry of Iranian firms into Indonesia’s markets and foster extensive cooperation in health and technology sectors, according to reports from ISNA.

The Indonesia Hospital Expo showcases a wide array of medical, pharmaceutical, clinical, and laboratory equipment, providing industry participants with a prime opportunity to display innovations and network for potential profitable investments. Key features of the expo include:

• Exhibition of cutting-edge medical technology and equipment.
• Opportunities for business-to-business meetings.
• Networking with representatives from hospitals and health officials.

This expo serves as a valuable platform for Iranian knowledge-based firms and manufacturers, allowing them to demonstrate their capabilities in the strategic Southeast Asian market. It also paves the way for expanding international cooperation with industry leaders and healthcare professionals from around the globe.

According to Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarqandi, achieving self-sufficiency in medicine and medical equipment production is a top government priority. He emphasized the significance of these sectors for public health, stating, “We are striving to reach self-sufficiency for the supply of medicine and medical equipment,” as reported by IRNA.

In a statement made on January 13, the head of Iran’s Union of Medical Equipment Manufacturers and Exporters highlighted that medical equipment worth approximately $20 million is exported to over 60 countries each year. Key statistics regarding Iran’s medical equipment production include:

• Over 70% of medical equipment is domestically manufactured.
• 100% of standard hospital beds are produced locally.
• More than 95% of ICU and CCU beds are made in Iran.
• Over 85% of operating room medical equipment, including anesthesia machines, are manufactured with advanced technology.

Abdolreza Yaqoubzadeh, the head of the Union, noted that the country’s annual requirement for medical equipment production stands at three to four billion dollars, with approximately one billion dollars worth of imports. Currently, around 600 medical equipment companies operate within Iran, collectively producing about 99% of the medicine supplied to the domestic market.

Iranian manufacturers are capable of producing and supplying over 10,000 different types of medical equipment for both domestic and international markets. Additionally, various laboratory equipment is now being manufactured at significantly lower prices compared to similar foreign products.

Among the notable advancements, four Iranian-made remote robotic surgery systems have been installed in Indonesian hospitals, a move that has been highly welcomed by local surgeons for their quality and precision. The installation of these systems occurred in 2024, with the first two units placed in hospitals located in Bandung and Yogyakarta. The subsequent installations took place at Wahidin Sudiro Husodo General Hospital in Makassar and Haji Adam Malik General Hospital in Medan, as reported by IRNA.

Some of the key advantages of these robotic surgery systems include:

• Affordability: Priced at one-fifth the cost of foreign models.
• Low maintenance: Designed for minimal upkeep.
• Cost-effective consumables: Offering savings on necessary materials.

In conclusion, the establishment of the Iranian House of Innovation and Technology in Indonesia is a promising step towards fostering greater cooperation in healthcare and technology. With a strong emphasis on self-sufficiency and innovation, Iranian firms are poised to make a significant impact in the Southeast Asian market, ultimately benefiting both nations and enhancing healthcare outcomes.