General Healthy Living In Jakarta, Indonesia

Healthy Living in Jakarta, Indonesia

Air.
- All major Indonesian cities have severe atmospheric pollution. This can be unpleasant but exposure during a normal 2-3 year posting is unlikely to cause new health problems.
- Pre existing respiratory problems may be aggravated but asthma is very common in Indonesia also Hay fever is common.

Water
- Do not drink tap water anywhere in Indonesia
Bottled water is widely available and should be used for drinking, tooth brushing and for a final rinse after washing fruit and vegetables.
- Most foods are available.
- Fruit and vegetables are of reasonable quality.
- Meat and fish from public markets should generally be avoided.
- Supermarkets offer much higher food handling standards.

Restaurants
- Many restaurants have acceptable hygiene standards. These standards can vary daily and with food type irrespective of the quality of the restaurant or hotel.
- Roadside food stalls should be avoided especially Padang food stalls.
- Shellfish, snails and uncooked fish should not be eaten.

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS: Lifestyle:
- Expatriates often have an unhealthy lifestyle in Indonesia.
- Many people do not exercise sufficiently because of the heat and pollution.
- Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and overeating are common.
- Many people gain weight.
- Try to moderate your diet and exercise regularly.
Vaccinations:
- Start all vaccinations well before posting as you may need a course of injections.
- Check with your doctor that all previous vaccinations are up to date.
- All adult and childhood vaccinations can be given at the all Jakarta Hospitals or Clinics.

Medications:
- Most medications are available in Indonesia.
- The Hospitals, Pharmacy or Drug Store or Clinics arround Jakarta they have stocks medicines.
- If you are on Medications ussually supplied from your country before leaving.
- If you require long term medication initially bring 3 months supply with you.

Doctors and Clinics:
- Expatriate doctors generally can not practise in Indonesia but there are exceptions.
- Some local Clinics are well equipped but generally not of Western standard.
- Some clinics are with associated cultural and language problems.
- Ensure disposable needles and syringes and sterile instruments are used.
- Try to avoid any surgical procedures.
- Contact the your doctor at home town or Insurance Company Doctor for recommended Hospitals, Clinics, Specialists, Medical Laboratories and X
-Ray Clinics before any invasive procedure
- Blood tests, X-Rays, etc quality are good quality at the Big Hospitals.
- You will have to pay for all treatment in Indonesia. Carry adequate cash with you or some Hospital they accept credit card too.

House and Hotel Calls:
- Home visits are usually not available unless if you contact with Expats clinic
- Hotels have a doctor on call or a hotel clinic. Expect high fees
- It is often preferable to proceed directly to the clinic or hospital.

Ambulance:
- Ambulance services are usually owned by hospitals or private clinics and are often not of Western standard. Payment before service is normal
- It may be faster to go by car or taxi to a clinic or hospital

Blood Bank
- The Red Cross monitors blood banks. Standards are variable. Blood supply is not a free service.
- Avoid blood transfusion if possible. Insist blood is re screened by the hospital before transfusion. Contact the your family doctor first

Dentists:
- Good quality treatment is available in Jakarta at recommended dental clinics. Request an indication of likely fees before starting treatment. Contact the hospital or clinic for recommended dentists or for to make an appoitment before you see doctor