He noted that the top three provinces with the highest screening coverage are Central Java, East Java, and West Java.
An interesting finding, he added, is that more women have participated in the screenings than men.
"This is a wake-up call for me as a man to set a better example. We also need to commit to healthier living. Data shows that women live longer than men on average. I believe this is one of the reasons --because we men aren’t as diligent as our wives and daughters in getting health checks," Sadikin said here on Thursday.
He explained that one of the most common health issues found was dental problems.
He admitted that sometimes, people pay less attention to their dental health, even though the organ is important for maintaining nutritional intake in children. Healthy teeth can also ensure a more comfortable life for the elderly, he added.
"The second disease is hypertension, the third is diabetes and the fourth is obesity. These three health problems -- hypertension, diabetes and obesity -- are the main risk factors for heart disease and stroke which are the number one and number two causes of death for the Indonesian people," he said.
Therefore, he invited all Indonesian citizens, from children to the elderly, to go to the health centers and have themselves checked, so they can identify health problems early so that they can be treated immediately.
He also reassured the public that they should not worry if screenings indicate risks of stroke, heart disease, or kidney disease, as follow-up treatment is available through Indonesia’s Healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan), provided their membership is active.
"Living healthily is much more enjoyable than dealing with illness. We must care for ourselves before we get sick. Don’t wait until it’s too late,” he stressed.
The Indonesian government officially launched the nationwide health screening initiative on February 10, 2025, through community health centers across the country. The goal is to promote early detection of illnesses among people of all ages.
Under the program, infants are screened for congenital disorders, while toddlers and young children receive free growth assessments.
Designated health centers offer general health checks for adults, including lung examinations. Senior citizens undergo comprehensive exams, which include bone and joint assessments in addition to overall health evaluations.
Starting in July, health screenings for schoolchildren and teenagers will also be available at schools.
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Translator: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Primayanti
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