Jakarta – The government continues to strengthen the implementation of the Free Health Check (CKG) program as a strategic step to improve the quality of public health while reducing the risk of chronic diseases in the future.
The program is now focused not only on early detection but also on ongoing treatment and management so that the public receives optimal healthcare services from the initial screening stage.
Deputy Minister of Health, Dante Saksono Harbuwono, emphasized that the CKG program is believed to have a significant impact on the national health system in the long term.
“If we can address important issues like this, health costs will be felt in the next 5 to 10 years, with BPJS claims lower because the public will be healthier,” said Dante.
He explained that through the CKG, the public can detect hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes early so that treatment can be administered at primary health facilities such as community health centers (Puskesmas).
“It is better to treat those with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or high blood sugar at a Puskesmas than to have complications that lead to dialysis, stroke, or heart disease,” he said.
Dante is optimistic that the program’s benefits will become increasingly visible in the next five to ten years. He believes that rates of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney failure have the potential to decrease if routine screenings continue.
The Ministry of Health is also strengthening the program’s development by preparing to distribute X-ray equipment to all community health centers (Puskesmas) to support tuberculosis (TB) detection.
“Later, we will distribute X-rays to all Puskesmas so that they can perform X-rays and detect TB in the CKG,” said Dante.
However, the implementation of the CKG still faces challenges in remote, border, and island areas. Dante mentioned that several areas in Sulawesi and Papua are still difficult to reach due to limited transportation access.
Meanwhile, public policy observer Trubus Rahadiansyah views the School CKG program as an important step in supporting the quality of national education. He believes that students’ health significantly impacts their ability to learn at school.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Government Communications Agency, Muhammad Qodari, revealed that the results of the School Health Assessment (CKG) as of May 2026 showed that the biggest health problems for students were still tooth decay (41.5 percent), high blood pressure (22.1 percent), and earwax buildup (8.6 percent).
“Through this program, the government is not only safeguarding student health but also building a foundation for healthier, more productive human resources who are ready to face the future,” said Qodari.