Indonesia's Free Health Screening Programme to Begin in February

TheIndonesia.id - The Ministry of Health has announced that a nationwide free health screening programme will launch in February, with information about the initiative to be shared starting in January.

According to Antara News Agency, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin confirmed that the primary goal of the programme is to reduce the high rates of stroke and heart disease, which are the leading causes of death in Indonesia. The screenings will assess three critical health parameters: blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

The screenings will be offered at approximately 10,000 community health centers (puskesmas) across the country and may also be available at 15,000 to 20,000 private clinics, aiming to reach Indonesia's entire population of nearly 280 million people.

Sadikin explained that the screenings will be scheduled according to individuals' birthdays, focusing on children under five, adults, and the elderly. For children up to the age of 18, the screenings will be carried out at schools rather than on their birthdays.

The screening services will be tailored to specific age groups. For example, cancer screenings will be prioritized for older adults, while screenings for congenital disorders will focus on young children.

The Ministry of Health will implement a digital system for this programme. After the screenings, individuals will receive their results via WhatsApp, following the same method used to share PCR test results during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ministry will also promote its SATUSEHAT application, which includes a mental health questionnaire to better assess the overall well-being of participants.

Minister Sadikin highlighted the importance of mental health screening in Indonesia, noting that many people mistakenly believe they are mentally healthy when they may not be. He emphasized that improving mental health awareness is a key component of the country's health initiative.

This free health screening programme aims to not only detect and prevent life-threatening diseases but also raise awareness about the importance of regular health checks and mental health care across the nation.