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Healthcare in the U.S. may be a total nightmare. Ironically, though, that botched system represents a major opportunity for many Asian countries.
That's because if you build a five-star medical facility, Western patients will come, in search of quality care at a fraction of the cost. Just look at Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok (pictured at left), famed for its marble floors and resort-like amenities. Or Johns Hopkins' outpost in Singapore, or Wockhardt hospitals in India. If an American or British traveller can get a hip replacement or a major heart operation by Western-trained doctors, recuperate in a luxury hotel for a couple of weeks, and still save 50% on the total bill, it's hard to fault them for it.
Indonesia's obviously seen the writing on the healthcare wall, because now there's news that a number of world-class medical facilities are in the works. Meant for Indonesia's own upper-class clientele, but surely designed with one eye towards international visitors. It's a shame such top-notch care won't be available to the public at large, but then, that's no different from the American story ...
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