Indonesia has launched an ambitious health screening program, aiming to prevent early deaths and improve public health across the country. The initiative, valued at 3 trillion rupiah (approximately S$247 million), was unveiled on February 10 by the country’s Ministry of Health. According to officials, it represents the largest health initiative ever undertaken by the government.
Under the program, all Indonesians will eventually be eligible for a free health screening on their birthdays. The screening, which is voluntary, includes assessments such as blood pressure measurements, tests to determine the risk of heart disease and stroke, and eye exams.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin explained that the program will initially focus on children under six years old and adults aged 18 and above. The government’s push for early detection comes in response to the leading causes of death in Indonesia, including stroke, heart disease, and tuberculosis, according to data from the World Health Organization.
Although initially planned to be larger, the program’s budget has been adjusted. The original 4 trillion rupiah allocation was reduced by 1 trillion rupiah after President Prabowo Subianto implemented budget cuts to fund election promises, such as providing free meals to school children.
On the program’s first day, health centers in Jakarta saw approximately 30 people sign up for screenings. One of the participants, teacher Ramika Dewi Saragih, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, sharing that she underwent several tests, including breast and cervix screenings, and eye exams. “I was really looking forward to this,” said the 33-year-old, encouraging more people to take advantage of the free health checks.
The Health Ministry aims to reach 100 million people with screenings this year. Minister Budi emphasized that the initiative is designed to shift the focus from reactive to preventive care, a significant cultural change in Indonesia where many only seek medical attention after becoming ill. “Our culture is checking when we’re already sick… that cuts closest to the grave,” he stated.
In addition to physical health checks, the program also includes mental health assessments to identify signs of depression or anxiety. The screenings will be available at over 20,000 health centers and clinics across the country.
However, experts from the University of Indonesia’s Economic and Social Research Institute have raised concerns that the program could strain local health services, which are already under pressure. They warned that the unequal distribution of medical resources, such as drugs and doctors, could hinder the program’s effectiveness in some areas.
Despite these challenges, the Health Ministry is moving forward with the rollout, marking this as a historic effort to improve the health and well-being of Indonesia’s population.
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