More and more Indonesian officials are discussing wellness tourism in Bali. The chairman of the Bali Medical Tourism Association (BMTA), Master of Medicine I Gede Wiryana Patra Jaya, believes that the island has great potential for medical tourism, as it has long been a top tourist destination. However, for world-class medical tourism development, human resources and technology must meet international standards. Currently, construction of a large international hospital, or rather an entire complex, in Sanur is nearing completion, and it will soon open its doors to patients.
“Just waiting for people to come for treatment is not the right approach. We need to invite people so they know about our services and understand the level of care they can expect,” said Patra Jaya. Furthermore, there is still no regulatory framework for the development of wellness tourism. The necessary documents and certifications have yet to be signed, though Indonesia now allows foreign doctors to practice in the country. This applies only to top global specialists with over five years of international experience. Expanding this access may be necessary to improve Indonesia’s medical sector, despite protests from local professionals.
Similarly, Nir Peretz, a businessman involved in wellness tourism, highlighted two current obstacles for Bali’s wellness tourism development: human resources and overpopulation, which results in major traffic congestion. To enhance local expertise, he advocates allowing foreign doctors to practice in Indonesia to encourage knowledge transfer. This would accelerate medical advancements in the country and foster the training of local doctors in best global practices.
As for road congestion, Peretz stressed the importance of effective traffic management, opposing increased construction or road expansions due to the environmental impact on Bali.
Meanwhile, senior advisor to the World Council of Preventive, Regenerative, and Anti-Aging Medicine (WOCPM), Jusuf Kalla, believes that Bali already possesses enough tourism capital to develop wellness tourism. The challenge lies in aligning medical staff and technology with international standards and modern advancements.
WOCPM President Professor Dr. Deby Vinski also supported the idea of inviting foreign experts. Acting Governor of Bali, Sang Made Mahendra Jaya, recently discussed collaboration opportunities with Dr. Deby Vinski in developing stem cell therapy. This cutting-edge technology is used to treat various conditions, including stroke, heart disease, diabetes, blood disorders, cancer, and for cosmetic procedures.
Tourists, expats, and seasonal residents in Bali are excited about this new direction for the island, as it can eliminate the need to travel outside Indonesia for healthcare, making treatment more accessible and convenient. Hopefully, the authorities’ efforts will be successful, and people will soon be able to improve their health affordably and without leaving the Island of the Gods.
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