As a destination for medical tourism, there is no doubt Bali has potential, but it is up against some stiff regional competition, especially from Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore.

In a recent report by Grand View Research Inc., the global medical tourism market is likely to be worth more than USD 131 billion a year by 2025 and in the field of elective surgery, such as cosmetic surgery, Asia is leading the way.

A recent report published by RNCOS, an Indian based Market Research Service Provider, suggested medical tourism was the industry to watch in the 21st century, especially in Southeast Asia and Bali's 5-star, award winning accommodations, spa treatments and facilities as well as its world class dining options bring a unique touch of luxury to the region's healthcare industry and local hospitals and clinics are looking to capitalize on taking a luxury approach to healthcare.

In fact, that’s precisely what draws many international patients to Bali say Newsmaker as "many of the clinics opening in Bali look and feel more like a spa than a hospital, and Australians are finding they can schedule plastic surgery in Bali for pennies on the dollar compared to what they would pay at home."

For example, the cost for a Tummy Tuck in Australia posted by Medical Departures is AUD 20,600 compared to AUD 7,600 in Bali, a significant possible saving of AUD 13,000.

Dr. Steven J. Kusmanto, Marketing Director of Menarini Asia Pacific, part of the Menarini Group and a leading global provider of healthcare brands, recognizes the potential medical tourism has for Indonesia, not just for prospective foreign tourists but also for domestic patients. 

"Indonesia's population of 280 million people is already nine times greater than Malaysia's," commented Dr. Kusmanto, and given the increasing number of tourists arriving in Bali every year the opportunities are indeed abundant. "In addition beauty procedures in Indonesia are relatively cheap," he told The Aesthetic Leader's Summit (APALS) The Essence in Dermatology Aesthetics at the Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort and Spa, recently.

Dr. Kusmanto did point out, however, that before working on the medical and beauty tourism markets, the government and invested stakeholders must also take into consideration health standards. "What we need to emphasize when promoting medical tourism are the standards of health, hygiene and procedures. These must be clear and supported by medical infrastructure with the highest professional standards," he said. 

Some medical and beauty clinics have already met those benchmarks, noted Dr. Kusmanto, which is why Indonesia was chosen to host a programme for trainers in the Asia Pacific region and why Bali was selected to host the APALS Asia Pacific Aesthetic Leader's Summit event, he said.

Kasih Ibu Maternity Hospital in Denpasar, which has a reputation among local and expatriate residents as one of Bali's leading homegrown hospitals has recently announced its intention to offer its services in the highly competitive medical tourism market.

Dr. I Gede Ngurah Buana, Director of Kasih Ibu, recently told Tribun Bali that "the hospital already has complete facilities including MRI and CT scans and as healthcare providers, we have a vision of providing quality health services to everyone."

According to Medical Departures, one of the world's largest medical marketplaces, major investment into Bali’s healthcare industry is already underway, citing Bali Mandara Hospital in Sanur, which was opened last year and "received AU$19 million from the provincial annual budget for its construction, with another AU$19 million invested in its facilities. The hospital is also receiving Australian support from Royal Darwin Hospital, which is offering consultancy services to help Bali Mandara Hospital reach international standards."

Sources: Travel Wire News, Grand View Research Inc., RNCOS, Tribun Bali, Tribun News, Newsmaker, Medical Departures, Forbes, The Jakarta Post

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