"This program is not mandatory, but it is a right of every Indonesian. So, everyone has the right to access it. If they do not take their rights, it would be a shame," he expounded after reviewing the program's implementation at Cilincing Community Health Center in North Jakarta on Monday.
He informed that President Prabowo Subianto has instructed all ministries/institutions as well as all levels of regional governments to prepare all that is needed for organizing the free health check program, which is targeting 280 million Indonesians.
The government disseminated information about the program for at least a month before its simultaneous launch at all health centers in the country on Monday.
After the launch, the free screenings were found to be running well, with each health center serving 30 people as per quota, although the majority of health centers still served beneficiaries from the elderly and adult groups compared to toddlers (0–6 years), Mizan informed.
"Why we prioritize the elderly? Because it will be fatal for them if they do not undergo a check-up for chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and gout," he explained.
Meanwhile, the free health checks for schoolchildren will begin at the start of the new academic year in July.
The government plans to offer 11 types of medical examinations to elementary school students, 13 to junior high school students, and 12 to senior high school students.
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Translator: M. Riezko Bima Elko Prasetyo, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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