Depok-Hospital tourism is a treatment or health recovery program accompanied by tourism activities. Hospital tourism has a great opportunity to be developed in the creative economy and tourism sectors in Indonesia. Improving the quality and resources in health services will become capital for the hospital tourism industry so that Indonesian people do not need to go abroad for treatment. However, Indonesia still has challenges in developing this program. Responding to these challenges, the Hospital Administration study program, Vocational Education Program, Universitas Indonesia (UI) held a public lecture entitled “The Potential of Hospital Tourism in Indonesia” on December 6, 2023. The speech was attended by Dr. dr. Taufiq Jamaan, Sp.OG., Chair of the Indonesian Medical Tourism Association; dr. Adellia Nike F, M.Biomed (AAM), Medical Travel Influencer; and Ardy Pratama Putra Wardhana, Founder of Awstour Travel as speakers.
In his remarks, the UI Vocational Deputy Director for Research, Education and Student Affairs, Deni Danial Kesa, MBA., Ph.D, opened the event by saying that links between the health and tourism sectors could be built and had the potential to have a market share in society. “Collaboration from the two sectors is in form hospital tourism can attract the interest of medical tourism travelers. “I hope that the potential of hospital tourism can continue to be explored as a supporting factor for economic growth and tourist attraction in Indonesia,” said Deni.
(Photo: Documentation with speakers and audience)
Starting the public lecture, the speakers presented survey data from several hospitals and travel actors related to hospital tourism in Indonesia. “Indonesia has great potential as a medical tourism destination and competes with neighboring countries. “However, there are still several problems in preparing hospital tourism, including service quality, marketing, and international accreditation,” said dr. Taufiq.
dr. Adellia also shared her personal experience when undergoing medical treatment abroad. “I am impressed with the services and hospital facilities in European countries.”In my opinion, these doctors can contribute to the reputation of health services as in Indonesia,” explained dr. Adellia. According to her, this experience is a consideration for tourists to make Indonesia a quality hospital tourism destination.
(Photo: Question and answer session during the public lecture)
From a travel perspective, Ardy said that various natural riches, health facilities and affordable costs can attract tourists to undertake hospital tourism. “We are committed to supporting the development of the health sector and the creative economy. Quality medical tourism packages can be offered to tourists so that the health and tourism sectors can boost the Indonesian economy,” added Ardy.
Before the talk show ended, dr. Taufiq also emphasized that the hospital tourism program requires collaboration between the government, the health sector and the private sector so that the program runs effectively. He advised that improvements in infrastructure and medical services, as well as promotions using various strategies in Indonesia, be carried out more massively.
