The Ministry of Social Affairs is set to launch a groundbreaking Free Health Check Program in early February 2025, mobilizing an impressive 120,767 social workers to spread the word and provide support. This initiative aims to ensure that every Indonesian citizen, regardless of background, has access to essential healthcare services in line with the principles enshrined in the Indonesian Constitution.
Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, affectionately known as Gus Ipul, expressed his enthusiasm for the program, emphasizing its importance for families who are recipients of social welfare programs like PKH and Bansos. “We will work tirelessly through our social workers to ensure that our beneficiaries can receive health check-ups on their birthdays. This is a program initiated by our President,” Gus Ipul stated in a press release on Friday, January 31, 2025.
With a network of 120,767 social pillars scattered across the archipelago, the Ministry of Social Affairs is well-equipped to roll out the Free Health Check Program as mandated by Article 28 H, clause 1 of the 1945 Constitution. This provision underscores every individual’s right to a decent standard of living, including physical and mental well-being, suitable housing, a clean and healthy environment, and access to healthcare services. Furthermore, Article 34, clause 3, places the responsibility on the State to ensure the provision of quality healthcare and public service facilities.
The primary goal of the Free Health Check Program is to offer complimentary health assessments to detect potential health issues early on and prevent diseases, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life for Indonesians. The program caters to individuals of all ages, with specific protocols tailored to different age groups. For instance, infants and children up to 6 years old, as well as adults and seniors aged 18 and above, are eligible for health screenings on their birthdays through the SATUSEHAT Mobile (SSM) application.
### Implementation and Procedures
On the operational front, the Free Health Check Program will be executed through three distinct avenues: Birthday Health Check-ups for infants, preschoolers, and adults; School Health Check-ups for children aged 7-17; and Special Health Check-ups for pregnant women, infants, and young children up to 6 years old, adhering to established maternal and child health service standards.
To access these services, individuals can visit the nearest Primary Healthcare Facility (FKTP) on their birthdays or within one month thereafter. Newborns, on the other hand, will undergo health assessments within two days of birth. The specific types of screenings vary depending on the prevalent health conditions within each age group, ensuring targeted and effective interventions.
The government has urged all citizens to download and register on the SATUSEHAT Mobile (SSM) application to streamline the process. Through this platform, users will receive examination tickets and timely notifications 30 days, 7 days, and 1 day before their birthdays, culminating in the scheduled health check-ups. Additionally, seven days prior to their birthdays, account holders will receive a health screening questionnaire to complete independently.
The examination tickets issued can be utilized at FKTPs within 30 days following one’s birthday to avail of the Birthday Health Check-ups. Notably, the Free Health Check Program is slated for a simultaneous launch across 10,000 community health centers and 20,000 clinics in early February 2025.
In conclusion, the Free Health Check Program heralds a new era of accessible and inclusive healthcare services in Indonesia, underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its citizens. By leveraging technology, mobilizing social workers, and adhering to constitutional mandates, this initiative serves as a beacon of hope for a healthier and more resilient society.
