You and your family may be in good health, but everyone needs medical input at some point. I think it’s important to at least find a clinic you are comfortable with. Look for a group of medical professionals whom you can turn to with any concerns. I would like to share some information to make life a bit easier.
Common health problems for expats living in Jakarta
There are three things to expect when you are living in Jakarta: infectious diseases, non-infectious diseases, and accidents/injuries. Infectious diseases, like foodborne, airborne, or even body fluid-transmitted diseases, are common in Indonesia. Non-infectious diseases or chronic diseases are sometimes unavoidable depending on your risk profile. Accidents and injuries can happen anywhere. Moreover, rhesus negative blood is very rare in Indonesia.
What to do when you are sick
Feeling unwell can be a challenge for someone who is new to Indonesia, especially Jakarta. First advice would be to seek an opinion if you are unsure about your condition. You may use Dr Google, talk to a friend, or even a medical professional back home. If possible, visit a clinic that you are comfortable with. In an ideal world, you should have an assessment by a trusted medical practitioner. Your medical practitioner will give a possible diagnosis. A management plan needs to be mutually agreed upon. You need to voice your expectations and ask for possible options. (Are you expecting a referral? Do you think further treatment should be done abroad?)
Preventive actions
To avoid diseases from happening, you need to know how to manage avoidable risks. For infectious diseases, there are lots of vaccinations available to protect you. There is even a vaccine against Dengue now. Food prepared under unclear circumstances, tap water, and mosquitoes should be avoided. Again: find a clinic that you are comfortable with! You can discuss your risk profile with your trusted physician.
In a tropical country like Indonesia, there are a lot of infectious diseases. Infectious diseases can be spread by water and/or by food, such as traveller’s diarrhoea, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and amoebic dysentery. Insect bites can spread diseases like malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and chikungunya. Tuberculosis and influenza are transmitted by coughing and sneezing. Body fluid-transmitted diseases like STDs, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C are also common in Indonesia. There is a possibility of getting rabies if you are exposed to certain animals.
Chronic disease management
If you are suffering from a chronic disease, we advise you to have a list of your regular medications. You should identify a doctor who can regularly check upon your condition and someone who can advise which (specialist) doctor you should see; this can even be outside Jakarta. Make a plan for the regular follow-ups. Your family doctor can facilitate communication with your specialist. Monitoring your condition on behalf of the specialist can be done by a good family physician.
Discuss any concerns with your trusted medical practitioner. Once again: it is important that you find a clinic that you are comfortable with.
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