"We believe this program enhances public health while preventing various diseases through faster early detection," he said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Soeparno described the program, which commenced on Monday, as a continuation of public welfare initiatives following the free nutritious meals program, which is being prioritized by President Prabowo Subianto's administration.
"President Prabowo's concrete actions reaffirm his commitment that 'no one is left behind,'" he said.
He claimed that the free health screening program has received praise from the World Health Organization (WHO) as a breakthrough policy to prevent the spread of diseases.
"I believe the WHO's appreciation clearly illustrates the urgency of this program. Therefore, it must be effectively implemented by the government," he added.
Data from Statistics Indonesia shows that the country's average life expectancy increased to 74.15 years in 2024, supported by various improvements in the health sector.
However, Indonesia's maternal mortality and stunting rates remain relatively high.
For this reason, Soeparno considers the free health screening program highly beneficial for the early detection of health problems, enabling earlier intervention and preventing more serious complications.
He expressed hope that the program would improve the community's quality of life and reduce future healthcare costs.
"This program is also expected to raise public awareness of the importance of personal and family health," he added.
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Translator: Melalusa Susthira Khalida, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Anton Santoso
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