Banyak Masyarakat Indonesia Memilih Berobat ke Luar Negeri, Kenapa? | 60 Menit Special Report

Summary

This report examines the growing trend of Indonesians seeking medical treatment abroad, questioning the trust in local healthcare services. It explores the factors driving this trend, including the shortage of medical specialists, inadequate facilities, and the high cost of healthcare in Indonesia. The story features interviews with patients and experts, highlighting their experiences with foreign healthcare systems that offer better service, technology, and outcomes. The program also addresses the government's response to this crisis, as well as the efforts to improve the quality of healthcare in Indonesia.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Many Indonesian citizens seek medical treatment abroad, questioning the trust in Indonesia's healthcare system.
• 📉 Around 2 million Indonesians seek treatment overseas, costing the country approximately IDR 165 trillion in foreign exchange loss.
• 💊 Common reasons for seeking treatment abroad include advanced medical technology, lack of specialist doctors, and high costs in Indonesia.
• 🧠 A patient from Indonesia opted for surgery in Malaysia due to better communication and confidence in the hospital's ability to treat her brain tumor.
• 💼 The gap in healthcare services is attributed to a shortage of medical equipment, specialists, and lack of funding in Indonesian hospitals.
• ⏳ Long waiting times and a lack of sufficient specialists, especially for chronic illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and tuberculosis, drive patients to seek care abroad.
• 💰 High costs and difficulties in accessing essential medications in Indonesia force some patients to rely on overseas treatments and medication sourcing.
• 🔬 Specific medical fields like cancer treatment, plastic surgery, and specialized surgeries are the most sought-after by Indonesians abroad.
• 🩺 Trust issues in Indonesia's healthcare are exacerbated by inconsistent service quality and a lack of confidence in diagnosis and treatment effectiveness.
• 🏥 To regain trust, the Indonesian healthcare system needs to address issues such as specialist shortages, equipment funding, and better patient care standards.

Q & A

Why are many Indonesian citizens seeking medical treatment abroad?

Many Indonesian citizens seek medical treatment abroad due to a perceived lack of trust in local healthcare services, citing reasons such as insufficient medical technology, unavailability of specialized doctors, and higher costs in Indonesia.

How many Indonesians seek medical treatment abroad, and where do they go?

Approximately 2 million Indonesians go abroad for medical treatment annually. Around 1 million visit Malaysia, 750,000 go to Singapore, and others travel to countries like Japan, the U.S., and Germany.

What are the financial implications of Indonesians seeking medical treatment abroad?

Indonesia loses around 165 trillion IDR annually in foreign exchange as a result of citizens seeking medical care abroad.

What are some reasons Indonesians distrust the healthcare system in their own country?

The lack of specialized doctors, inadequate medical equipment, and long waiting times contribute to the public's distrust in Indonesian healthcare.

What specific example was mentioned to illustrate dissatisfaction with local healthcare?

A woman diagnosed with a brain tumor described her experience in a Jakarta hospital, where she felt uncomfortable with the diagnostic process, and later chose to continue treatment in Malaysia due to clearer explanations and better coordination.

What factors make foreign healthcare services attractive to Indonesians?

Foreign healthcare services are attractive due to the availability of specialized care, advanced medical technology, clearer communication, and comprehensive service packages that promise higher success rates and better patient experiences.

What specific medical conditions drive Indonesians to seek treatment abroad?

Indonesians often seek treatment abroad for conditions such as cancer, heart disease, plastic surgery, orthopedic issues, and neurological disorders.

What are the primary healthcare destinations for Indonesians in Asia?

Popular healthcare destinations for Indonesians in Asia include Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, India, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, and China.

What are some challenges facing Indonesian healthcare related to specialist doctors?

Indonesia faces a shortage of specialist doctors, with a significant gap between the number of patients with chronic illnesses and the availability of trained specialists, leading to long waiting times for patients.

What steps is the Indonesian government taking to improve the healthcare system?

The Indonesian government is working to address healthcare issues by increasing the availability of medicines, improving medical infrastructure, and enhancing the distribution of doctors to better serve remote regions.