Public Appreciates Free Medical Check-up Program
Jakarta – The government has once again demonstrated its commitment to improving the quality of public health by launching the Free Health Check-up Program (PKG) which is scheduled to start in February 2025.
This program has received a positive response from the public because it is considered a strategic step to increase awareness of the importance of health from an early age.
As the largest health initiative in Indonesian history, PKG targets around 280 million people. This program is expected to reduce the economic burden due to the treatment of diseases that should have been prevented early.
The government believes that prevention is better than cure, so investment in this health check-up will have a long-term impact on the community.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin reminded the public to continue to ensure their membership in BPJS Kesehatan so that they can enjoy maximum health facilities.
“Although this program is free for all, BPJS Kesehatan membership is still important, especially if the screening results require medical follow-up,” he explained.
PKG is focused on around 200 million people who have never undergone health screening before, especially from the lower socio-economic class. Data from the Ministry of Health shows that to date, only 39.8 percent of the population has been screened for infectious diseases.
Through PKG, the government hopes that around 100 million people can take advantage of this service in the first year of its implementation.
In addition, the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, emphasized the importance of women’s roles in making this program a success.
“We need to provide an understanding to the public that this free health check is very much needed. The role of women as family managers is very important in educating family members about the benefits of health checks, such as early detection of non-communicable diseases and efforts to maintain health in a sustainable manner,” said Arifah.
In supporting the success of PKG, the Ministry of Social Affairs also participated by empowering thousands of social assistants spread throughout Indonesia. Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf explained that social assistants will play a role in socializing this program to the public.
“We will ensure that the public knows their right to get a free health check. Every citizen who has a birthday can get a free check-up service at the nearest health center,” he said.
Not only that, social assistance workers will also help in technical aspects, including accommodating the needs of examinations for elderly people who need help.
Thus, PKG can reach more people and ensure that every citizen has access to quality health services. [-red]
