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IDI lauds government’s new, free health screening plan
The nationwide free screening program is part of the government's broader aim to lower the mortality rate of certain NCDs and by doing so, reduce the country's overall burden by up to $1.6 trillion.
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A doctor examines a patient on March 27, 2024, during a free public health screening in Dangin Puri Kauh village, Denpasar, Bali. (Antara/Nyoman Hendra Wibowo)
T
he Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) has lauded the government's plan to provide free health screenings starting next year as part of its efforts to reduce the country's disease burden.
IDI chairman Mohammad Adib Khumaidi said the plan to offer free screening services for all citizens on their birthdays would help to not only reduce the fiscal burden for curative medical treatment, but also design better strategies to address health issues nationwide.
"With the screenings, the government can map [people’s] health problems based on their age, gender and [domicile]. It will help the Health Ministry to devise effective public health interventions based on the unique characteristics of each region," Adib told The Jakarta Post on Friday.
He added that the program could help detect and treat diseases early as well as educate the public about the importance of undergoing regular checkups.
"I hope that during the screenings, health workers will not only take blood samples but also educate the public about a healthy lifestyle, [good hygiene], nutrition and environmental health for more effective disease prevention," he said.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin recently announced that starting next year, all citizens nationwide would be eligible for a free health screening on their birthday at a Puskesmas (community health centers).
Different health screenings would be available according to the patient’s age and gender for increased effectiveness and to minimize the mortality and disability rate across the country.
