By: Fajar Nugroho
The government continues to strengthen cross-sector collaboration to increase public participation in the Free Health Check Program (CKG) as part of the national strategy to build a healthy lifestyle and strengthen a prevention-based health system. This step is considered crucial amidst the increasing threat of non-communicable diseases, which often attack people without early symptoms. Through synergy between the central government, local governments, health workers, law enforcement officials, and elements of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), this program is expected to reach more residents while raising public awareness of the importance of early health detection.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized that the CKG Program is one of the government’s main strategies to improve the quality of life and extend the healthy life expectancy of Indonesians. According to him, the direction of national health development now emphasizes promotive and preventive approaches rather than the curative approach that has dominated health services. The government believes that efforts to maintain public health are far more effective than focusing solely on treatment when diseases have already developed and become more serious.
This view indicates a major transformation in national health governance. The government is no longer simply present when people fall ill, but has begun actively developing systems that encourage people to maintain their health early. A preventative approach is considered capable of reducing the number of chronic diseases while reducing the burden on national healthcare costs in the long term. Therefore, programs such as the CKG (Center for Health and Family Planning) are a crucial part of the healthcare reform that the government is currently strengthening.
The increase in cases of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and metabolic disorders is the primary reason the government is intensifying its early health detection program. Previously, many people only became aware of their health condition when the disease had reached an advanced stage and required more complex treatment. This situation not only impacted people’s quality of life but also increased pressure on healthcare facilities.
Through the CKG Program, the government seeks to raise awareness that routine health check-ups are not merely a necessity for the sick, but rather part of a healthy lifestyle that should be adopted by all levels of society. This step also marks a paradigm shift that health depends not only on hospitals or medications, but also on a healthy lifestyle and the discipline of regular check-ups.
Efforts to strengthen community participation in the CKG Program are also evident in various regions. In Cilegon, Mayor Helldy Agustian directly monitored the implementation of the Cilegon Community Health Center (Puskesmas). He believes direct monitoring is crucial to accurately observe service delivery on the ground and to evaluate any deficiencies that need to be addressed. He believes the quality of public services must be continuously improved to ensure the health program truly impacts residents. He also noted high public enthusiasm for the program, although participation still needs to be expanded.
Therefore, the Cilegon City Government is encouraging the entire community to take advantage of the free health screening services provided by the government. This initiative is part of an effort to build collective awareness that health is a long-term investment that must be maintained early. The more people who seek early health screening, the greater the chance of preventing more serious illnesses from developing.
A similar trend is evident in Central Sulawesi. Deputy Governor Reny A. Lamadjido encouraged the public to utilize the government-provided CKG facilities as part of efforts to maintain overall public health. He emphasized that the services are free of charge, so the public should not hesitate to use them.
Reny A. Lamadjido believes the CKG Program represents a concrete example of synergy between the central and regional governments in raising public awareness of the importance of maintaining good health. The regional government views this program as more than just a regular health service, but also as a public education tool to foster healthy lifestyles within the community.
He believes that health is closely linked to the quality of education and community productivity. A healthy physical condition will support optimal teaching and learning, for both students and educators. Therefore, the free health check-up program is considered to have a broad impact, not only on the health sector but also on the economy.