Indonesia launches free annual health screening program

Indonesia has launched a new health initiative, offering free annual health screenings to its citizens. The program, which costs 3 trillion rupiah ($183.54 million), is the country’s largest health project ever, according to the Ministry of Health.

Under this program, every Indonesian will eventually receive a free health checkup on their birthday. The screenings will include blood pressure checks, tests to assess the risk of heart problems or strokes, and eye tests. However, participation is voluntary, not mandatory.

The initial focus of the program is on children under six years old and adults aged 18 and above, said Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin.

The leading causes of death in Indonesia include heart disease, stroke, and tuberculosis, according to the World Health Organization.

Budi Gunadi Sadikin explained that while the original budget for the program was higher, President Prabowo Subianto decided to reduce it by 1 trillion rupiah to support other election promises, including providing free meals for school children.

On the first day of the program, held at a health centre in Jakarta, around 30 people had signed up for their screenings. One participant, teacher Ramika Dewi Saragih, shared her positive experience, having had tests for breast, cervical, and eye health. She encouraged others to take advantage of this opportunity.

The Ministry of Health aims to reach 100 million people with the screening this year.

Minister Budi emphasized that the program was intended to shift the focus from treating illnesses to preventing them. “In our culture, we only check for problems when we’re already sick, but this program encourages checking early,” he said.

This initiative is seen as one of the largest efforts the ministry has ever undertaken, even surpassing the country’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign.