In a statement released here on Friday, he noted that the program is part of a big investment in preventive health, which is expected to reduce curative healthcare cost burden.
"This program will also bolster the health service system in Indonesia, making it on par with developed countries in providing equitable health services for its people," he added.
The Indonesian government has initiated the Free Health Check-up Program to improve the quality of public health and reduce cases of preventable diseases.
The health screening, which will also be provided to people on their birthdays, will officially start on February 10, 2025.
Based on a lifecycle-based approach, the screening will target several age groups, including infants, school children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
The health screening services will be available at health centers and health facilities collaborating with state health insurer BPJS Kesehatan.
They will cover early detection of various diseases such as hormonal disorders, congenital heart disease, nutritional disorders, and the risks of stroke and cancer.
According to the director general of primary and community health at the Ministry of Health, Maria Endang Sumiwi, routine health checks are important as a preventive measure, which is expected to change people's mindsets on being more proactive in maintaining their health.
Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, earlier on Wednesday visited the Presidential Palace to confer with President Prabowo Subianto regarding the Free Health Check-up Program.
The government has allocated a budget of Rp4.7 trillion for the program. It is aiming to cover 60 million Indonesians this year through the program.
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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
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