By Heru Asprihanto and Stanley Widianto
JAKARTA (Reuters) – Initiating a fascinating endeavor that has captured the attention of the world, Indonesia launched a significant annual free health screening on Monday. This initiative, amounting to a total of 3 trillion rupiah ($183.54 million), aims to proactively combat premature deaths, marking it as the largest project ever undertaken by the country’s health ministry.
As part of this groundbreaking program, all Indonesian citizens will eventually be granted the opportunity to undergo a complimentary health screening on their birthday, as announced by the ministry. The comprehensive screening, although voluntary, encompasses vital assessments such as blood pressure monitoring, evaluations to gauge the risk of heart-related issues or strokes, and vision tests.
Initially focusing on individuals under the age of six and adults aged 18 and above, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin disclosed to Reuters last week that the primary health concerns in Indonesia, contributing to high mortality rates, include stroke, heart disease, and tuberculosis according to data from the World Health Organization.
Minister Budi highlighted that the allocated budget of 3 trillion rupiah for this initiative was slightly reduced by 1 trillion rupiah following directives from President Prabowo Subianto to reallocate funds for electoral promises, such as providing complimentary meals to school children.
On the inaugural day of the program at a health center in Jakarta, around 30 individuals registered for the health screening. Among them, teacher Ramika Dewi Saragih shared her positive experience of undergoing various assessments without any anxiety, emphasizing the importance of preventive healthcare practices.
A spokesperson from the health ministry revealed that the target for this year’s health screenings is set at 100 million individuals, showcasing the vast reach and impact of the initiative. Minister Budi emphasized the program’s core objective of encouraging preventive health measures, steering away from the common habit among Indonesians of seeking medical attention only after falling ill.
Furthermore, Minister Budi emphasized that this large-scale health initiative supersedes even the COVID-19 vaccination drive in terms of magnitude and scope. In addition to physical health assessments, mental health evaluations are also integrated into the program to identify signs of depression or anxiety, showcasing a comprehensive approach to healthcare.
However, researchers from the University of Indonesia’s Economic and Social Research Institute cautioned that the extensive program might strain the country’s already overburdened local health centers due to potential challenges in drug distribution and doctor availability.
(Reporting by Heru Asprihanto and Stanley Widianto; Editing by Kate Mayberry)
