Free Medical Services Opened, Government Focuses on Early Detection of Public Health
By: Febrian Arda
The government has shown real steps in improving the health of the community by launching the Free Medical Check Program (MCU). This program is not just an ordinary health service, but is a major effort in building a foundation for preventive health for all Indonesian people. Through a comprehensive examination, this program is expected to be able to detect diseases early and reduce preventable death rates.
As part of the government’s birthday gift to the community, MCU is available to all groups, from babies to the elderly. With easy and free access, the community is encouraged to be more proactive in checking their health conditions without waiting for symptoms of the disease to appear. The government believes that early detection is a fundamental step in maintaining individual health and preventing a heavier burden of disease in the future.
Director General of Primary and Community Health, dr. Maria Endang Sumiwi, said that one of the biggest challenges in society is the fear of knowing their own health condition. Therefore, through this program, the community is encouraged not to hesitate to use the services that have been provided. Health checks are not only important for those who feel sick, but also for those who feel healthy as a preventive measure.
This program includes various types of examinations that are tailored to the health needs of each age group. Newborns can undergo hormone deficiency screening and detection of congenital heart disease. Nutritional examinations are carried out to prevent stunting in children. For adults, the focus of the examination includes detection of the risk of stroke, heart disease, and cancer, including mental health examinations which are increasingly becoming an important concern. Eye and ear health screenings are also provided to ensure that people can maintain their quality of life optimally.
In its implementation, this program is divided into three main momentums. First, Birthday MCU which began together with the launch of the program on February 10, 2025. This examination is intended for children aged 0 to 6 years and people aged 18 years and over who have birthdays. The examination can be carried out at health centers and clinics that have collaborated with BPJS Kesehatan within 30 days after the birthday.
The second momentum is School MCU which begins in July 2025, coinciding with the new school year. This examination targets children aged 7 to 17 years in schools. Meanwhile, the third momentum is the Special MCU for pregnant women and toddlers, which will be carried out at health centers and integrated health posts. The government hopes that this life cycle-based approach can ensure that all age groups receive health services that suit their needs.
To facilitate public access, the government provides two registration channels for MCU services. First, through the Satu Sehat Mobile application which can be downloaded on the App Store and Play Store. With this application, the public can fill in their biodata, choose a check-up schedule, and register family members. Second, through the WhatsApp messaging service that has been provided with a chatbot feature to assist the registration process.
The Head of Communications for the Indonesian Presidential Office, Hasan Nasbi, said that this program is part of a major investment in preventive health. According to him, by entering the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence, this nation has witnessed an extraordinary transformation in the health sector. This program ensures that all Indonesian people can access free health checks.
In terms of budget, the government has prepared initial funds of IDR 4.7 trillion to support the implementation of this program. Although the budget has been adjusted due to other state spending priorities, the government has ensured that the funds are available for the initial phase of the program. If needed, the government is ready to submit additional funds to ensure the continuity of services.
Spokesperson for the Presidential Communications Office, Dedek Prayudi, emphasized that this program is one of President Prabowo Subianto’s efforts to save thousands of Indonesian lives who die every year from diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The government wants to prioritize disease prevention and health screening as the main strategy in reducing the death rate from non-communicable diseases.
In the first five years, this program is targeted to provide benefits to 60 million people. However, the government has a long-term vision to reach the entire population of Indonesia, which numbers around 200 million people. With a broad scope, this program does not only focus on heart disease but also includes various other diseases that are adjusted to the characteristics of the
