By: Rian Suagianto*
The Indonesian government continues to strive to improve access to healthcare services for the public through various strategic programs. One of the latest initiatives being expanded is the Free Health Check-up Program, which aims to provide health check-up services for all levels of society. This program not only reflects the government’s commitment to improving public health but also serves as a concrete step toward creating a more inclusive and preventive healthcare system.
Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, emphasized that the Free Health Check-up Program allows the public to receive various basic health checks for free. These checks include blood pressure measurement, blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, as well as maternal and child health services. With this service, the public can detect potential health risks early, enabling preventive measures to be taken. Early detection is crucial in reducing the incidence of non-communicable diseases, which have long been a significant burden on the national healthcare system.
To improve the effectiveness of this program, the government has begun distributing new medical equipment to community health centers (Puskesmas) and primary healthcare facilities. These include advanced cholesterol and blood sugar measurement tools, ensuring that check-up results are more accurate and can be used as a basis for further treatment. With these more complete facilities, the public will not only receive free healthcare services but also be guaranteed that their check-up results have a high level of accuracy.
This initiative has received praise from various parties, including the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Tedros considers the steps taken by the Indonesian government, particularly through the leadership of Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, as a strategic move to improve public health on a large scale. According to him, health is the best gift for every citizen, and investing in disease prevention and early detection is a very appropriate policy.
Furthermore, Tedros encourages other countries to adopt similar policies and allocate more resources to preventive efforts. This perspective aligns with WHO’s global vision, which emphasizes that a strong healthcare system should be more focused on prevention than merely treatment. Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare services through the Free Health Check-up Program serve as a concrete example of how a country can actively contribute to improving the welfare of its citizens.
The Director-General of Primary and Community Health, Maria Endang Sumiwi, also affirmed that the Free Health Check-up Program has a significant impact on maintaining public health. Routine check-ups for early detection can reduce the incidence of chronic diseases and lower mortality rates from non-communicable diseases. As more people become aware of the importance of health check-ups, it is expected that in the next five years, there will be a significant reduction in morbidity rates and healthcare costs borne by both the state and individuals.
In addition to long-term benefits, the Free Health Check-up Program also contributes to creating a new culture in society—the awareness to check one’s health before falling ill. In the past, many people only sought medical services when their conditions had already worsened. With free check-up services, people are more motivated to have regular health check-ups, so potential health issues can be anticipated early. This culture will be highly beneficial in fostering sustainable healthy living patterns.
As part of its long-term commitment to ensuring public health, the government will continue to develop and expand the coverage of the Free Health Check-up Program. Besides increasing the number of health centers offering these services, the government is also exploring the possibility of integrating this program with digital services to make it easier for the public to access information regarding their health. With the advancement of technology, digital healthcare services can complement the provision of faster, more accurate, and accessible information for the wider community.
The government is also promoting health education as part of this program. Socialization about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention continues to be carried out to help the public understand that health is not just about treatment, but also about maintaining a balanced diet, exercising, and undergoing regular health check-ups. This approach aims to build awareness that health is a valuable long-term investment.
This program can also help reduce healthcare costs for the lower-middle class. With free health check-up services, the public does not need to spend large amounts just to get basic health checks. This is especially helpful for vulnerable groups who often lack access to quality healthcare services due to financial constraints. With easily accessible routine check-ups, they can be more proactive in maintaining their health and that of their families.
Through the strategic steps that have been and will continue to be taken, the government demonstrates its seriousness in building a stronger and more inclusive healthcare system. The Free Health Check-up Program is not just a policy but a tangible manifestation of a grand vision to ensure that all Indonesians can live healthy and productive lives. Through this program, Indonesia is getting closer to its larger goal of creating a healthier, more prosperous, and higher-quality society.
The author is a public policy observer
