You and your family might be in good health, but in general, everyone needs some medical input at some point in time.
I think it is very important that you at least identify a clinic that you are comfortable with. Look for a group of medical professionals who 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 to get in Indonesia. Non-infectious diseases or chronic diseases are sometimes unavoidable depending on your risk profile. Accidents and injuries can happen anywhere. 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 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 mosquitos should be avoided. Identify a clinic that you are comfortable with! You can discuss your own 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, and Hepatitis B & 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 medication. You should identify a doctor who can regularly check on your condition and someone who can advise which (specialist) doctor you should see, this can even be outside Jakarta. Make a plan for 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. It I important that you identify a clinic that you are comfortable with.
Good Practice has registered patients from 78 countries. Try us. Our all-English-speaking team implements international guidelines. Contact us at 021 7183140 or [email protected]