The central government is set to launch a groundbreaking initiative in February this year, prioritizing free health screenings as a cornerstone of President Prabowo Subianto’s healthcare agenda. With a target audience of approximately 280 million individuals, this program aims to alleviate the burden of exorbitant treatment costs for preventable diseases within the Indonesian population.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin underscores the significance of this initiative, particularly for the 200 million Indonesians from lower socio-economic backgrounds who have never undergone health screenings. Shockingly, only 39.8 percent of the population has been screened for infectious diseases, leaving a vast majority unaware of their potential health risks. Furthermore, a significant portion of the population above 20 years old has never undergone essential health exams, with alarming statistics revealing neglect in key areas such as blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Anticipating a participation rate of at least 100 million people in the inaugural year, the free health screenings program will be structured into three distinct categories. These include screenings for children aged 0-6 and individuals aged 18 years or older, school-based screenings for children aged 7-17, and specialized screenings for pregnant women and newborns. The accessibility of these screenings will be facilitated through 10 thousand community health centers (puskesmas) and potentially 15 to 20 thousand private clinics, with the SatuSehat mobile application serving as a convenient point of entry for individuals seeking these services.
To complement the screenings, Minister Sadikin urges the public to enroll in the Healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan) to prepare for necessary interventions based on screening results. With a budget allocation of Rp4.7 trillion (over US$288.5 million), the government aims to reach 60 million Indonesians in the initial phase. These screenings are meticulously designed to cater to various age groups, targeting prevalent health issues identified in the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI).
Among infants and preschoolers, the survey highlights concerning rates of stunting and wasting, while schoolchildren and adolescents face challenges such as smoking, anemia, and mental health issues. The adult population grapples with obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, all of which are preventable conditions that contribute to the country’s disease burden. The cost of treating catastrophic diseases like stroke, thalassemia, and liver cirrhosis underscores the urgency of early detection through free health screenings.
Heart diseases and stroke emerge as the most costly conditions to treat, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures against high blood pressure—a prevalent health risk affecting millions globally. Smoking, a significant contributor to morbidity, will also be a focal point of the screening program, starting from elementary school level to address associated risks such as cancer and chronic respiratory diseases.
Mental health screenings are a crucial component of this initiative, as Minister Sadikin acknowledges the underdiagnosis and stigma surrounding mental disorders. With an estimated 28 million Indonesians potentially affected by mental health issues, the ministry aims to destigmatize these conditions by integrating psychological consultations into community health center services. By addressing mental health concerns alongside physical health screenings, the program seeks to provide holistic care that prioritizes the well-being of every individual.
The transition from a curative to a preventive health paradigm requires collective effort and awareness. Through the provision of free health screenings, the government hopes to instill a culture of proactive health management among the public, empowering individuals to safeguard their most valuable asset—their health. As the nation embarks on this transformative healthcare journey, the impact of these screenings is poised to reshape the landscape of public health, fostering a healthier and more informed populace.
