In addition to an earlier announced decision by the soon-to-open Bali International Hospital (BIH) not to accept patients insured under the Indonesian State Medicare Scheme (BPJS), the hospital will further cement an elitist reputation by allowing prescription drugs yet to be approved for use in Indonesia to be provided to patients of the new hospital in the Sanur Beach area of Bali.
The BIH also has the right to employ foreign physicians and medical specialists.
As reported by Kompas.com, the CEO of Indonesia Healthcare Corporation (IHC), drg Mira Dyah Wahyuni, confirmed that the Bali International Hospital, located within Sanur’s Special Economic Zone, will be permitted to prescribe foreign medications otherwise prohibited from distribution to Indonesian patients.
Mira confirmed the special drug policy on Tuesday, 30 April 2024, at a signing ceremony at the Meru Hotel of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PT Pertamina Bina Medika-Indonesia Healthcare Corporation (IHC) and SingHealth – Singapore’s largest medical group.
Explaining the special policy, drg Mira commented: “There are medicines that may not yet have distribution permits in Indonesia but have been used in Singapore, now they can be used here.”
This special exemption for the use of foreign medications at BIH is provided under Section 22 to Section 24 of Decree Number 1 of 2023 from the Minister of Health regarding the operation of a hospital in a Special Economic Zone.
In addition to special access to international medications, Drg. Mira said foreign doctors and Indonesian diaspora medical specialists would also support BIH.
The recruitment process of foreign specialist doctors is ongoing, with 97 professionals passing the preliminary screening process. Among the 97 doctors screened thus far are 15 Indonesian doctors practicing abroad and four foreign physicians.
Plans call for the Bali International Hospital in the Sanur Special Economic Zone to be formally opened in September 2024.
Commenting further, Drg Mira said the opening of BIH represents an effort by the Government of Indonesia to provide an international-class hospital for the Indonesian public who formerly sought medical care abroad.
BIH will offer six world-class areas of medical expertise, covering cardiology, oncology, neurology, and critical care management. BIH will also provide specialist medical care in gastroenterology (gastro-hepatic), orthopedics, and general medical checkups.
The target is for foreigners and Indonesian patients to seek care and treatment at BIH. President Joko Widodo has estimated that Indonesia loses US$11,5 billion (Rp.180 trillion) when Indonesians travel abroad for medical care. The President estimates more than one million Indonesians travel annually to Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Europe, and the USA for medical treatment,
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