Jakarta: The Indonesian government launched an annual free health screening on February 10 worth 3 trillion IDR (183.54 million USD) from the state budget. This marks the biggest-ever initiative undertaken by the health ministry aimed at preventing early deaths.
According to Lao News Agency, under the programme, all Indonesians will eventually be entitled to a free screening on their birthday, as stated by the ministry. The screenings, though not mandatory, will include checks for blood pressure, assessments to determine the risk of heart problems or stroke, and eye tests.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized that the programme initially targets children under the age of six and adults aged 18 and over. The goal of the screening programme is to provide free health check-ups for 100 million people, thereby promoting preventive health care in the Southeast Asian nation.
Indonesia, being the world’s fourth most populous country, faces significant health challenges. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that the leading causes of death in Indonesia are stroke, heart disease, and tuberculosis.
