Government Encourages Public to Utilize Free Health Check Program for Early Disease Detection

By: Aditia Rahmat )*
 
The government continues to encourage the public to actively participate in the Free Health Check (CKG) program as a concrete step in the early detection of various diseases. This effort is not merely a routine agenda, but a national strategy that emphasizes the importance of prevention over treatment. Today, maintaining health is not only a personal responsibility but also part of a collective effort to build a more productive and healthy nation.
 
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin assessed that the CKG initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce the number of chronic diseases through an early detection approach. He emphasized that many serious illnesses begin with mild symptoms that could have been detected earlier if people had regular health check-ups. Through this program, the public can understand their health more comprehensively, so that treatment and prevention can be initiated in a timely manner.
 
Budi Gunadi Sadikin also explained that from the results of the CKG programs implemented in various regions, the government found that the most common health problems suffered by the public included toothache, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. These three diseases serve as warning signs for the public to be more mindful of their lifestyle and not delay seeking further medical checkups. A simple examination can be a first step in preventing the risk of chronic diseases in the future.

Furthermore, Budi explained that the CKG plays a crucial role as a means of health education for the public, especially the younger generation. He wants to foster a new awareness that health is a long-term investment that must be maintained from an early age. The government, through various health facilities, continues to provide access so that the public has no excuse to neglect routine checkups.

Meanwhile, Rahmawati Herdian, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), also urged the public to actively participate in this program. She emphasized that the Free Health Checkup service is an important part of early detection efforts for health conditions, facilitated directly by the government. During the Healthy Living Community Movement (Germas) socialization event in Kotaagung, Tanggamus Regency, Lampung, Rahmawati encouraged the public to utilize the health facilities available at community health centers without hesitation.
 
Rahmawati emphasized that the more people become aware of the importance of early detection, the greater the opportunity to reduce the risk of disease in the community. She hopes this awareness will not stop at ceremonial activities, but rather become a culture instilled in all levels of society. According to her, education that reaches the grassroots will be key to changing the mindset and lifestyle of the Indonesian people.
 
She also requested that participants in the outreach program not stop at receiving information, but also participate in disseminating it within their respective communities. It is hoped that the knowledge gained can be shared with family, neighbors, and the surrounding community for broader benefits. In this way, the Germas and CKG programs will not be merely government programs, but will truly become a community movement that actively maintains health together.
 
From the local government perspective, in Kotaagung, Tanggamus Regency, Lampung, Rahmawati Herdian, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, encouraged the public to take advantage of the Free Health Check facility as part of efforts to detect health conditions early. Representatives from the Lampung Provincial Health Office highlighted that the current increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is largely influenced by lifestyle changes. Unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, and smoking are major factors worsening public health. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt a healthy lifestyle through simple steps such as regular exercise, a nutritious diet, not smoking, maintaining hand hygiene, and creating a clean and comfortable environment.

Awareness of the importance of early screening is also continuously being promoted by healthcare workers at the community health center (Puskesmas) level. Rosvita Nur Aini, Head of the Kembangan District Community Health Center in West Jakarta, explained that the public can now receive free health checks at any time without having to wait for specific occasions like birthdays. This program is open and accessible at all nearby health facilities in Indonesia. Even residents outside the Kembangan area are allowed to utilize the CKG service at the Kembangan District Community Health Center.

Rosvita added that the government-initiated CKG program aims to create a healthy, productive, and protected society from an early age. This program covers four age groups, starting from newborns, toddlers and pre-school age, adolescents and adults, hFrom children to the elderly. Each group receives examinations tailored to their needs.
These efforts by the government and healthcare professionals demonstrate the government’s commitment to raising public awareness of the importance of regular health checks. The CKG program is not just a free service, but a concrete manifestation of the state’s commitment to protecting its citizens from the threat of disease. With collaboration between the central government, regional governments, and the community, it is hoped that Indonesia can reduce the number of chronic diseases and improve the overall quality of life for the community.
Now is the time for the public to take a more active role in maintaining their own health and that of their environment. Regular check-ups, a healthy diet, and an active lifestyle should become part of daily habits. By utilizing the Free Health Check program, everyone has the opportunity to assess their health early and take preventative measures before it’s too late. Health is not only the responsibility of medical professionals or the government, but also a personal commitment to living more consciously, healthily, and prosperously together.
)* The author is a strategic issues observer