The Chairman of the Bali Medical Tourism Association has given his insights on the future of medical and wellness travel in the province.
Dr Gede Wiryana Patra Jaya has explained that as Bali has been a world-class travel destination for many years its foundations are strong, but there is more work to be done to level up into the medical tourism space.
Dr Jaya explained that in order for Bali to develop a world-class medical tourism sector, basics like technology and human resources must also be of international standards.
He wants to see a shift in the psyche of medical professionals in the province, moving away from waiting for patients to come into clinics in need and towards being proactive in supporting patients in preventative care.
Another leading medical professional, Senior Advisor to the World Council For Preventive, Regenerative and Anti-Aging Medicine, Jusuf Kalla, explained to reporters this weekend that Bali is sitting on great potential by echoing the statements of Dr. Jaya in noting that there are improvements to be made in the coming years.
He is supportive of Bali becoming an international medical tourism destination, noting, “People can enjoy the beauty of Bali and come for consultations or treatments. Of course, a good hospital, competent doctors, good hospitality, and other supporting services [are needed].”
The Indonesian Ministry of Health states that there are already 23 hospitals in the county that are designated as medical tourism hospitals.
Annually, over 2 million Indonesian citizens seek medical treatment abroad, mostly traveling to Malaysia, Singapore, China, and Thailand.
Leaders are committed to leveling up the health system in Indonesia to help retain some of this USD 11.5 billion market in the county and bring in more international medical tourists for treatment.
In early 2025, the new Bali International Hospital is anticipated to welcome its first patients. The hospital will specialize in cardiology, neurology, critical illness, gastroenterology, and orthopedics.
In February 2024, the Minister for State-Owned Enterprises, Eric Thohir, visited Bali to inaugurate The Sanur Hotel, Bali Beach Convention Centre, and the Ethnomedicinal Botanical Garden, as well as attend the groundbreaking for the new Alster Lake Clinic.
The Sanur is a special economic zone for medical and wellness tourism, and as Minister Thorir explained, “Here it’s like Nusa Dua but for hospitals. Because of this data, tourism is inferior to neighboring countries, and many of our people seek treatment abroad.”
The resort has been developed over 41 hectares and features five-star hotels, villas, serviced apartments for elderly living, parks, small business centers, meeting and events halls, and private medical and wellness clinics that will exist alongside the Bali International Hospital.
The whole site will offer fully integrated services for medical and wellness tourists, an element that sets The Sanur apart from many other medical tourism destinations around the world, which focus more exclusively on the medical side of the service offering.
At The Sanur, there will be a strong focus on high-class medical care and the seamless integration of wellness services and luxury travel experiences.
On Saturday, 9th November, the Acting Governor of Bali, Sang Made Mahendra Jaya, met with Jusuf Kalla during his visit to Bali.
Together, they spoke of developing stem cell therapies in Bali. Acting Governor Jaya told reporters, “The potential for developing health tourism is very good in Bali. Now there is a lot of shifting; many come to seek treatment, and many come to seek treatment and healing in Bali.”
The Acting Governor of Bali offered Jusuf Kalla and the World Council For Preventive, Regenerative and Anti-Aging Medicine the opportunity to partner with the Bali Mandara Regional General Hospital to collaborate on developing more stem cell therapies in Bali and to establish the hospital as a world leader in the space of stem cell treatments.
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Ted
Wednesday 13th of November 2024
Why do you think people leave Bali for medical treatment? For me it was the quality of care I received twice. VERY BAD! First time it was at a hospital in Ubud. A specialist whose speciality was to get to use machines un needed for this eye infection which I got medication for that “didn’t work at all”. I went to a lab to get the correct diagnosis and meds that did work. This year I received care at that same hospital that if I followed the doctor’s advice I would have without a doubt I probably died! I went to a new hospital where I was admitted and finally got excellent care. Siloam Hospital. I was told all doctors graduated from medical school in Bali. You MUST GET DOCTORS TRAINED IN EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA for higher quality medical services. For me coming from a family of 26 doctors I’m aware what’s needed. This I feel is the greatest drawback for Bali, good medical availability.
Shorty
Thursday 14th of November 2024
@Ted,
Then why didn't you do research and go directly to Siloam, Kasih Ibu, BIMC....
Back home you'd do it.
Paul
Wednesday 13th of November 2024
Yes but is it at good as the rest of Asia ,will the prices reflect that or just another rip off. What happens when the 30day visa runs out and you're still in hospital .Anyone going to this hospital should be visa free to attract the people staying there
Shorty
Thursday 14th of November 2024
@Paul,
Use your brain. No doubt the hospital will have dedicated staff to handle visa requirements. Visa free? Do you really believe Rp500,000 a month/50 bucks, will be a deal breaker when you look at the cost of treatment and accommodation?
Shorty
Thursday 14th of November 2024
@Paul, I'm sure the hospital will have administrative staff to handle extensions when needed. Besides in the scheme of things and the cost of treatment/accommodation, Rp500,000 for 30 days wouldn't be of concern
M
Tuesday 12th of November 2024
Nice building, 100m from the shore, not higher than a coconut tree and has included balinese culture. At least I give it for good that it has 1 shadow tree each 100m2 and is at least useful for the community (if you got enough money). Building permit rules accomplished 👏
WAYAN BO
Tuesday 12th of November 2024
Health care should be free.
Exp
Monday 11th of November 2024
So how do medical professionals get their education and jobs in Indonesia? Below quote taken from a 2012 article. Quite alarming as I doubt nothing has changed apart from "fees" getting higher. Or do anyone have evidence of corruption in the medical field wiped out?
"The sale of places in med school: Even the best state universities are raking in money selling places in med school. The starting price to get in, for students with exceptional grades, is 10 million rupiah. The lower your grades, the more you have to pay to get in. I’ve heard of people paying up to 250 million rupiah just to get in. They will have to pay another great whack each year to pass their exams. When they graduate they’ll have had a very expensive education.
The sale of jobs: Nurses and even midwives now have to put out to get hired even in small town health centres. The going price in Aceh, where I’ve spent the last few weeks, is 60 million rupiah for an entry level job (assuming that you have already earned, or indeed bought, the appropriate qualifications). Sixty million rupiah to get a job that will earn less than US$ 300 a month. Is it any surprise that most health centre staff, doctors, nurses and midwives included, go to work in the morning and run a private practice in the afternoons or evenings?"
Link
Shorty
Thursday 14th of November 2024
@Exp,
Use your brain instead of your bile.
Of course the backers realise you must have top qualified medical, nursing, ancillary staff, equipment......
Of course they're aware of attitudes like yours. Of course they'll staff up to meet the required level of competence.
Despite your rants and whinges treatment here through places like Siloam, BIMC, Kasih Ibu... are at best practice.
I've a long list of people I know, including myself, who have received, including ongoing, 1st class medical and surgical treatment at them.
For me your comments are just another example of your long standing, repetitive, ineffectual whinges and criticisms.