Erick Thohir Envisions Bali as a Global Leader in Medical Tourism, With New Hospital Set to Offer Top-Tier Healthcare Services and Wellness Experiences

Indonesia’s Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Erick Thohir, has emphasized Bali’s emerging role as a global destination for medical tourism. During his visit to Bali International Hospital (BIH) in Sanur’s Special Economic Zone for Health, Thohir shared his vision for the island to become a premier healthcare destination, equipped with world-class medical facilities to meet the growing demand for healthcare services both domestically and internationally.

Thohir, who has been at the forefront of the country’s push for greater integration of healthcare and tourism, highlighted the annual trend of Indonesians traveling abroad for medical treatment. Each year, approximately 2 million Indonesians spend upwards of IDR 90 trillion on medical services abroad. This, Thohir noted, presents a significant opportunity for Indonesia to meet these healthcare needs domestically, reducing the financial outflow and encouraging local spending.

Bali International Hospital: A Leap Towards Excellence in Medical Tourism

Bali International Hospital (BIH), a key part of the government’s efforts to boost medical tourism in Bali, is nearing completion and is set to begin operations in March 2025. Designed to cater to both local residents and international visitors, BIH will be a modern healthcare facility, featuring 255 beds and advanced medical services across various specialties. Among the hospital’s core features will be Centers of Excellence in fields such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology, providing high-quality healthcare that rivals leading global medical institutions.

What sets BIH apart is its green hospital concept, aimed at creating a sustainable and eco-friendly healthcare facility. This focus on sustainability is part of Bali’s broader strategy to integrate its tourism sector with high-quality healthcare services, attracting both wellness-focused travelers and those in need of more specialized medical treatments. The hospital will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including MRI 3 Tesla and Linac radiotherapy, ensuring patients receive the best medical care available.

Reducing Dependence on Overseas Healthcare

The Indonesian government’s vision for Bali to become a medical tourism hub is not just about attracting international tourists seeking high-quality medical services but also about curbing the country’s reliance on overseas healthcare. Thohir emphasized that BIH aims to offer medical services on par with global standards, thereby addressing the gap in local healthcare offerings that currently drives Indonesians abroad for treatment.

In addition to serving the local population, Bali’s medical tourism potential is further highlighted by the increasing number of foreign tourists seeking both leisure and medical care. This trend, which has been growing in other countries such as Thailand and Malaysia, positions Bali as a prime candidate for expanding medical tourism in Southeast Asia.

The Role of Doctors and Healthcare Professionals in Bali’s Medical Tourism Industry

One of the key goals of BIH is to attract Indonesian doctors and medical professionals who have worked abroad, offering them opportunities to contribute to the development of the local healthcare system. By bringing back experienced medical professionals and building a state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure, the hospital hopes to create a sustainable and competitive healthcare ecosystem within Indonesia, ultimately contributing to the country’s broader goals of self-reliance in medical services.

Erick Thohir also stressed the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors, with Bali International Hospital serving as a catalyst for the development of Indonesia’s medical tourism infrastructure. The presence of high-quality healthcare facilities will not only attract international patients but also boost the local economy by creating jobs and offering opportunities for tourism and healthcare integration.

Bali’s Potential as a Health and Wellness Tourism Destination

Bali has long been recognized as a top destination for leisure and wellness tourism, known for its stunning landscapes, luxury resorts, and wellness retreats. Thohir’s announcement further underscores Bali’s growing reputation as a destination that caters to both tourists looking for relaxation and those seeking specialized medical treatments. By adding advanced medical services to its tourism offerings, Bali is poised to become a world-class destination for health and wellness tourism.

The integration of healthcare with tourism in Bali offers a unique value proposition for international travelers. Visitors can enjoy the island’s natural beauty and rejuvenating experiences, while also benefiting from top-tier medical services and wellness programs. With BIH serving as a flagship institution, Bali is well-positioned to become a hub for medical tourists from around the world, complementing its existing wellness and leisure tourism infrastructure.

A Bright Future for Medical Tourism in Bali

Looking ahead, the establishment of Bali International Hospital marks just the beginning of Bali’s journey toward becoming a leading medical tourism destination. With the Indonesian government’s support, the growing healthcare infrastructure in Bali will continue to attract medical tourists from neighboring countries and beyond. This initiative not only benefits the tourism sector but also contributes to the development of local healthcare services, making high-quality medical care accessible to all.

As BIH nears its opening, the potential for Bali to emerge as a global leader in medical tourism is becoming increasingly clear. The combination of a world-class healthcare facility, the island’s reputation as a premier tourist destination, and the commitment of both the government and private sector to invest in healthcare innovation all point toward a prosperous future for Bali as a medical tourism hub.

Conclusion: Bali as the Future of Medical Tourism

Erick Thohir’s vision for Bali to become a world-class medical tourism destination is well on its way to becoming a reality. With Bali International Hospital’s cutting-edge medical services, green hospital concept, and state-of-the-art technology, Bali is poised to attract medical tourists from around the world. This initiative not only helps reduce the reliance on overseas medical services but also strengthens Indonesia’s position as a key player in the global medical tourism market. As Bali continues to evolve into a hub for both leisure and healthcare, it represents the future of integrated tourism and healthcare in Southeast Asia.