Let’s Get Physical

(3/8/2013)

While Governor Pastika has publicly proclaimed his desire to develop Bali as a destination for medical tourism, if the reported cost of the medical examinations being provided at Bali’s Sanglah General Hospital for the three pairings of governor and vice-gubernatorial candidate seeking election on May 15 is any indication, then medical costs in Bali may be among the highest in the region.

Under rules established the by National Elections Commission (KPU), all candidates for high public office must undergo a complete physical examination paid for by the state.

According to The Bali Post, all three pairs of candidates for the job as Bali’s governor will undergo physicals administered by a team of medical experts March 14-16, 2013.

According to the current schedule, incumbent Made Mangku Pastika and his running mate Ketut Sudikerta will be screened on March 14th; A.A. Ngurah Puspayoga and Dewa Nyoman Sukrawan on March 15th; and Gede Winasa and Ketut Sudiartana on March 16th. Each medical exam will take an entire day starting at 8:00 am and ending at 2:00 pm.

The Bali Post says the cost of the comprehensive medical examination, including a psychiatric exam, will cost the KPU and Indonesian taxpayers Rp. 15 million per man (US$1,500).

A quick survey of comprehensive medical exams available across the region indicates the US$1,500 fee being paid by the state for comprehensive physical examinations is extremely expensive.

When compared to the most expensive executive health screening programs offered by leading hospitals in Singapore, Bangkok, Manila or Kuala Lumpur the medical examination provided to candidates in Bali is between 142%-307% more expensive. (See accompanying chart on Balidiscovery.com.)

Hard to Swallow? Any other symptoms?