Indonesia Launches $183 Million Free Health Screening To Curb Early Deaths

Indonesia has launched a nationwide free health screening programme, a landmark initiative valued at 3 trillion rupiah ($183.54 million) aimed at reducing early deaths.

 The programme, described by the health ministry as the largest in the country’s history, seeks to encourage preventive care and early detection of life-threatening conditions. 

Under the initiative, all Indonesians will eventually be eligible for a free health screening on their birthday. The voluntary check-up includes tests for blood pressure, heart disease and stroke risks, as well as eye examinations, according to the health ministry. 

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin explained that the programme will initially focus on children under six and adults aged 18 and above. Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country, faces high mortality rates from stroke, heart disease, and tuberculosis, according to World Health Organisation data. 

“Our culture is checking when we’re already sick … that cuts closest to the grave,” Budi said, highlighting the programme’s goal of promoting a proactive approach to healthcare. 

This year’s target is to screen 100 million people at over 20,000 health centres and clinics. The programme also includes mental health assessments to identify signs of depression and anxiety. 

Originally, the initiative was allocated 4 trillion rupiah, but President Prabowo Subianto ordered a budget reduction of 1 trillion rupiah to support other priorities, including free school meals as part of his election promises. 

Despite the ambitious scale, researchers from the University of Indonesia’s Economic and Social Research Institute warned that the programme could strain local health centres due to uneven distribution of doctors and medical supplies. 

On the first day of implementation, around 30 people signed up for screenings at a health centre in Jakarta. Among them was 33-year-old teacher Ramika Dewi Saragih, who underwent multiple tests, including breast and cervical checks. 

*”I was really looking forward to this,”* she said, encouraging more people to take advantage of the free service. 

The initiative, which surpasses even Indonesia’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts in scale, represents a major push towards preventive healthcare. As it rolls out nationwide, its success will depend on addressing logistical challenges while ensuring equitable access to services.

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