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.