"This program is intended to start from the community and all of us, in terms of prevention," he added while reviewing the program's implementation at the Kebon Jeruk Community Health Center, West Jakarta, on Monday.
He noted that so far, the approach in the health system has been focused more on curative measures, rather than prevention.
Therefore, with the free health checks, people are expected to detect health problems earlier and maintain their health.
He further said that the program is in line with President Prabowo Subianto's vision to enhance the quality of human resources by improving public health services.
Various groups of people, including toddlers and the elderly, feel that the free health check program will be of great help to them, he claimed.
Vermonte said he hopes that free health checks will provide direct benefits to those in need, especially the less fortunate.
"Hopefully, the free health checks can be utilized by all people because this is a government program and a big work project for all of us," he added.
The program is being implemented by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Stated-Owned Enterprises, as well as medical personnel in Indonesia, with the aim of strengthening the country's health system.
Doctors at dedicated health centers will play an important role in implementing the program by ensuring that people get the services that suit their needs.
The government is hoping that the initiative will run successfully with the support and participation of the community and various parties and have a positive impact on public health.
"We see dedicated doctors in puskesmas (community health centers) throughout Indonesia will implement this program. It shows that this is indeed a great work for all of us as a nation. Hopefully, what was initiated by the government can run well," Vermonte said.
The free health screening program, targeting 280 million Indonesians, commenced on Monday with the goal of ensuring equitable access to health services for all.
President Prabowo considers the program to be on par with similar initiatives in developed countries.
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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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