By: Aksara Dwi Wijayanto )*
Health is the primary capital for national progress, and the current Indonesian government fully understands that equitable access to healthcare is the right of every citizen. Through the Free Health Check program, the government is taking concrete steps that not only facilitate public access to medical examinations but also guarantee follow-up treatment. This program symbolizes the state’s commitment, ensuring that health is not merely a personal matter but a collective responsibility guaranteed by the state.
The Free Health Check Program is a milestone in the government’s success in providing comprehensive health services to all levels of society. Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Dante Saksono Harbuwono, views this program as not only a health screening but also guarantees medical follow-up for those in need. He believes that if any health abnormalities are detected, participants will be directed to a community health center for treatment and, if necessary, referred to a hospital. Mental health screenings are also crucial, especially for junior high and high school students, conducted through an initial questionnaire and mentoring by medical personnel and guidance counselors.
This step demonstrates the government’s understanding of health as a multidimensional aspect, encompassing both physical and mental health. This approach is crucial, given that adolescence is a critical period in shaping a person’s long-term health. By integrating mental health screenings into schools, the government is not only addressing pre-existing conditions but also building a more emotionally and socially resilient generation. This policy deserves praise for prioritizing prevention over treatment.
In line with this, the Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, assessed that this program aligns with the government’s commitment to providing inclusive healthcare services. He believes that the facilities and medical personnel in correctional institutions can be utilized not only for inmates but also for the general public. He believes that the success of this program requires synergy from all parties, from the central government and regional governments, the private sector, and the community, to ensure optimal implementation across all regions.
This approach demonstrates that state facilities can be optimally utilized when managed collaboratively. Until now, correctional institutions have often been viewed solely as inmate corrections, despite possessing substantial healthcare resources. Utilizing these facilities for the general public is a smart move to maximize public assets and expand the reach of health programs without building costly new infrastructure.
Support also came from the Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI), Abdul Kadir Karding, who viewed the program as a form of state protection for migrant workers. He stated that, in accordance with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive, every migrant worker returning from abroad receives a free health check before being sent home. Inter-ministerial coordination, including with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is crucial to ensure the safe repatriation process and the continued health of migrant workers.
The statement emphasizes that the health of migrant workers is an integral part of state protection. This group often faces high health risks due to working conditions, the environment, and limited access to medical services in destination countries. Providing free health checks upon arrival can reduce the potential for disease transmission, allowing migrant workers to return to their families in safer conditions. This also reflects the government’s concern for vulnerable groups that are often overlooked.
From a public health perspective, this program is highly relevant in addressing the challenge of the double burden of disease in Indonesia. Non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes are often only detected when they are already severe, while infectious diseases remain a threat in many regions. This program is a strategic step in expanding access to preventive services across various sectors.
The implementation of this program also demonstrates an integrated government work pattern. From schools to migrant worker repatriation points, services provided extend beyond screenings to include referrals, medical interventions, and mental health support. This cross-ministerial collaboration demonstrates that this policy is designed to address the needs of all levels of society without discrimination.
Under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, the health sector has been mobilized with an inclusive and progressive approach. The Free Health Check Program is clear evidence that the government is committed to protecting its citizens through easily accessible preventive and curative health services. With broad coverage and strong cross-sectoral coordination, Indonesia is moving closer to a just, efficient, and prevention-oriented health system.
The government deserves high praise for this tangible achievement. The success of this program serves as a reminder that health is the primary foundation for building a strong and prosperous nation. With a shared spirit, maintaining health is not just an individual responsibility, but a collective commitment from all elements of the nation for a healthier and more independent future for Indonesia.
)* The author is a health observer
