n### Indonesia Launches Free Health Screenings to Combat Preventable Diseases
In a groundbreaking move, the Indonesian government is set to launch free health screenings in February 2025, marking one of the flagship health initiatives under President Prabowo Subianto’s governance. Targeting approximately 280 million peopel, the program aims to curb the nation’s soaring healthcare costs by detecting and preventing diseases early.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized that the program will prioritize 200 million Indonesians, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, who have never undergone health screenings. According to data from the Ministry of health,only 39.8 percent of the population has been screened for infectious diseases, highlighting a critical gap in healthcare access.
Alarming Health Statistics
The need for this initiative is underscored by alarming statistics. over 80.82 percent of Indonesians have never measured their waist circumference, 62.6 percent have not checked their blood sugar levels, and 61.6 percent have never monitored their cholesterol.Additionally,36.61 percent have never tracked their weight, and 32.6 percent have never measured their blood pressure.
The government expects 100 million people to benefit from the program in its first year. Screenings will be categorized into three groups:
- Birthday screenings for children aged 0–6 and adults aged 18 and above.
- School-based screenings during each academic year for children aged 7–17.
- Special screenings for pregnant women and newborns.
Accessibility and Implementation
The screenings will be conducted at 10,000 community health centers (puskesmas) and possibly 15,000 to 20,000 private clinics. Citizens can access the service through the SatuSehat mobile application, wich will streamline the process. Minister Sadikin also urged the public to enroll in the healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS kesehatan) to ensure follow-up care based on screening results.
The government has allocated Rp4.7 trillion (over US$288.5 million) for the program, aiming to reach 60 million Indonesians in 2025. The initiative is tailored to address health issues across all life stages, as identified in the 2023 Indonesian health Survey (SKI).
Key Health concerns by Age Group
| Age Group | Health Issues |
|——————–|——————————————————————————-|
| Infants/Preschool | Stunting (21.5%), Wasting (8.5%) |
| Schoolchildren | Smoking (7.4%), Anemia (15.6%), Mental health Problems (34.9%) |
| Adults | Obesity (23.4%), Hypertension (30.8%),Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (1.6%) |
| Elderly | Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Cirrhosis |
preventable Causes of death
The program also targets preventable causes of death.For infants, neonatal disorders are the leading cause, while sexually transmitted diseases, lower respiratory infections, and tetanus are also significant. Among adolescents, adults, and the elderly, cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes mellitus are preventable with early detection.
In 2023, the cost of treating catastrophic diseases like stroke, thalassemia, and liver cirrhosis reached Rp34.8 trillion (US$2.14 billion), with heart diseases and stroke alone accounting for Rp22.8 trillion. This underscores the program’s potential to save lives and reduce healthcare expenditures.
A Call to Action
minister Sadikin urged Indonesians to download the SatuSehat app and enroll in BPJS Kesehatan to fully benefit from the program.”Early detection is key to preventing severe health issues,” he stated.
This initiative represents a significant step toward improving public health in Indonesia, offering hope for a healthier future for millions.Indonesia Launches Free Health Screening Program to Tackle Smoking and Mental health Issues
In a groundbreaking move to address critical health concerns, Indonesia has launched a comprehensive free health screening program targeting smoking-related illnesses and mental health disorders. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, aims to shift the nation’s healthcare approach from curative to preventive, ensuring early detection and intervention for some of the most pressing health challenges.
smoking: A Global Health Threat
Smoking remains a significant global health issue, and Indonesia is no exception.The program will begin screening children as young as 5–6 years old to identify early risk factors for smoking-related diseases such as lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ”Is there a risk factor for smoking, so later it needs to be checked for cancer, lungs, and COPD,” said tarmizi, a representative from the Ministry of Health. This early intervention strategy underscores the government’s commitment to curbing the long-term health impacts of smoking.
Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma
Mental health is another critical focus of the program. According to the World Health Association (WHO),one in eight people globally experience mental disorders,translating to an estimated 28 million Indonesians potentially affected. Despite this,mental health issues often go underscreened and underdiagnosed due to societal stigma. “Mental health checks are just as important as basic health screenings, such as blood tests,” emphasized Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin.The program will utilize questionnaires to identify a range of mental health conditions, including ADHD, bulimia, eating disorders, autism, and neurological disorders. Treatment options will include psychological consultations and medication, with the ministry expanding mental health services at community health centers to make these resources more accessible.
Alarming Trends in Youth Mental Health
The 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) revealed concerning trends in mental health, particularly among young people aged 15–24. This group recorded the highest prevalence of depression symptoms, yet only 10.4 percent sought treatment. The survey also highlighted disparities based on gender, education, and employment status, with females, individuals with lower education levels, and unskilled workers being the most affected.
Regionally, West Java reported the highest prevalence of depression, while Bali had the lowest. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address mental health disparities across the country.
A Paradigm Shift in Healthcare
The free health screening program represents a significant step toward a preventive healthcare model. By raising awareness and providing accessible screenings, the government hopes to empower Indonesians to take charge of their health. “Moving to a preventive health paradigm from a curative one takes time,” said Minister Sadikin. “By providing free screenings,it is hoped that the public will be aware of the importance of managing their most valuable asset—health.”
Key Highlights of the Program
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Target Age Group | Starting from elementary school (ages 5–6) |
| Focus Areas | Smoking-related illnesses, mental health disorders |
| Mental Health Tools | Questionnaires for ADHD, bulimia, autism, and neurological disorders |
| Treatment Options | Psychological consultations, medication |
| Regional Insights | West Java: Highest depression prevalence; Bali: Lowest |
A Call to Action
The success of this initiative hinges on public participation and regional support. as the government encourages women to lead family health awareness and calls on regions to back the program, it is indeed clear that collective effort is essential. By prioritizing early detection and breaking the stigma around mental health, Indonesia is paving the way for a healthier future.
For more details on related initiatives, explore how the government is encouraging women to lead family health awareness and the call for regional support for the free health screening program.
