Indonesia to Launch Free Health Screening Program in February
JAKARTA, investortrust.id – Indonesia’s Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono has announced a nationwide free health screening program set to begin in February 2025. The initiative aims to diagnose various diseases at an early stage through comprehensive medical check-ups tailored to different age groups.
“We have classified diseases based on their prevalence within each age group,” Dante explained during a coordination meeting at the Ministry of National Development Planning/BKKBN Office on Monday, January 13, 2025.
For infants, the program will focus on detecting congenital diseases such as congenital hypothyroidism. In adolescents, the screenings will target lifestyle-related conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
“These conditions often result from unhealthy lifestyles and need to be addressed early,” Dante emphasized.
For older adults, the screenings will prioritize identifying cancers, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart-related issues. “Each age group will have specific priorities,” he added.
The program will roll out in phases, starting with free health checks at community health centers (Puskesmas). The first phase aims to reach 60 million individuals in 2025, with the ultimate goal of covering 200 million Indonesians within five years. This initiative is part of broader healthcare transformation efforts by the government.
Backed by a budget allocation of Rp 3.2 trillion from the 2025 State Budget, the program is expected to raise public awareness about the importance of regular health screenings, contributing to better health outcomes nationwide.