Patients opt for overseas treatment

The poor condition of the area’s health services has led many people in South Sumatra to seek medical treatment overseas, particularly in Malaysia and Singapore, an official says.

Head of the provincial health agency, Zoelkarnain Noerdin, said Thursday that unlike in Indonesia, doctors in neighboring countries handle their patients with care. Although he assured they were equally skilled.

“Doctors in overseas countries not only serve as healers, but also consultants. They tell their patients in detail about medicines and their impacts and are happy to listen to their patients’ concerns,” Zoelkarnaen said.

He added that with direct connection between South Sumatra and the neighboring countries and relatively inexpensive medical fees there, more and more people are opting for overseas medical treatment.

He called on hospitals and doctors in the province to improve services in order to win their patients’ confidence.