Supporting the Success of the National Free Health Check-up Program
By: Dewi Oktaviani )*
The Indonesian government has once again demonstrated its commitment to improving the quality of human resources (HR) by launching a free national health check-up program. This program is specifically designed for people who celebrate their birthdays, with the aim of early detection of various potential health problems while increasing public awareness of the importance of maintaining health. This revolutionary step is not only an innovation in the field of health services, but also a real effort to build a healthy, productive, and highly competitive society.
The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK), Pratikno, said that health is the main foundation in creating superior HR. This free health screening is part of the President’s commitment to encourage early detection of chronic diseases that are often the main cause of decreased productivity and a heavy burden for the government. By focusing on prevention, this program is expected to be able to reduce the death rate caused by diseases such as heart attacks and diabetes that can actually be prevented.
Health screening, as explained by the Deputy Minister of Health (Wamenkes) Dante Saksono Harbuwono, will be facilitated through the Satu Sehat application. This digital innovation allows people to access health check-up services using only their mobile phones. On their birthday, app users will receive notifications and questionnaires covering various aspects of health, from mental health to early detection of chronic diseases. This approach not only provides convenience, but also integrates technology into health services, creating efficiency while empowering people to be more proactive in maintaining their health.
However, the success of this program does not only depend on technological innovation. Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian emphasized the importance of synergy between the central and regional governments. In a circular, he asked regional governments (Pemda) to support the implementation of this program, including through cross-sector coordination with regional apparatus organizations such as the Health Office and the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda). This support will ensure that the free health screening program can reach the entire community, including in remote areas that have limited access to health services.
In addition, Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that this free health check-up will be carried out simultaneously starting in February 2025. This service covers all age groups, with examination facilities available at Community Health Centers, clinics, and schools for children aged 6 to 18 years. This holistic approach ensures that every individual, regardless of age or social status, has an equal opportunity to take advantage of free health services.
This program also received support from a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Netty Prasetiyani Aher, who considered this step a form of government appreciation for its citizens. She emphasized that this program not only provides direct benefits in the form of health checks, but also serves as an educational medium to increase public awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. However, she also reminded the public to ensure that their BPJS Kesehatan membership status is active, because this program can only be accessed by eligible participants.
Support for this program shows that the government understands the importance of a preventive approach in the health sector. Through early detection, many diseases can be prevented before they develop into more serious conditions. Thus, this program not only reduces the burden of medical costs for the community, but also reduces the pressure on health facilities that are often overwhelmed in handling cases of chronic diseases that are already in an advanced stage.
This free health check program also has a positive impact on national health policy planning. Data collected through this screening will provide a comprehensive picture of the health conditions of the community in various regions. This information is very important for designing more targeted policies, both at the central and regional levels. With the existence of a community health map, the government can prioritize health resources and programs that are appropriate to the specific needs of each region.
Equally important is the role of the community in supporting the success of this program. Individual awareness to maintain the health of themselves and their families is the main foundation in creating a healthy society. By utilizing this program, each individual can find out their health condition early on, take preventive measures, and live a healthy lifestyle.
This revolution in health services is in line with the government’s grand vision