“As of yesterday, 16 million people have been screened. Currently, we’re averaging around 250 thousand to 280 thousand students checked per day,” he informed during a visit to SMP Negeri 5, Bandung, West Java, on Monday.
According to Sadikin, the most commonly detected health issues among students so far have been dental and vision problems.
“For example, of the 14 students we checked earlier, nine had vision issues. Sometimes a student’s grades are poor not because they’re not smart, but because they can’t see properly,” he observed.
As a preventive measure, he urged children to limit screen time, which can harm their eyesight.
“When it comes to eye health, prevention means reducing screen time. Vision problems have increased significantly since smartphones and gadgets like YouTube became popular,” he explained.
He emphasized that the health checks are completely free and part of a national program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto.
“If anyone asks you to pay, report them to the mayor or deputy governor. This is a gift from President Prabowo to all Indonesian citizens,” he said.
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Translator: Rubby, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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