Bali provincial gov’t to upgrade health services, promote traditional Balinese medicine
The Bali provincial government is gearing up to upgrade health services on the island, including system integration and creating an online database for local residents, while also working towards promoting traditional Balinese treatments.
Speaking in Denpasar yesterday, Bali Governor Wayan Koster said the plans are part of Bali’s National Health Insurance program, JKN-KBS, which aim to integrate the island’s public health system and management.
“Every resident will have their medical history accessible by the local health agency [Puskesmas], which can be viewed through an online app. They can also easily choose health services and the doctor they want to see,” Koster said, as quoted by state news agency Antara.
In addition, the government is seeking to promote Balinese traditional treatments.
“We are pushing for it to become an industry based on local culture. With control and good standardization, we can beat China in the herbal medicine industry,” Koster continued.
The plan falls in line with that of the central government, which last month announced plans to promote medical tourism in Indonesia.
In November, Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto said his ministry and the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry are prioritizing the development of traditional-based medical tourism for their high economic potential.
Yesterday, Terawan expressed optimism that traditional Balinese medicine will help spur the growth of medical tourism on the island.
“I think this is a great step and can even develop medical tourism in Bali. Where the wealthy from all over the world will visit Bali to access this health service,” Terawan said.
