The year 2025 will be a new milestone for Indonesian public health, as the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia is set to launch a free health check-ups program.
The program aims to provide free screening services for all levels of society, according to their age category. Through this program, the government hopes to detect various diseases that are prone to occur in each age group, from toddlers to the elderly.
“This screening is a birthday gift from the state to the community, conducted every birthday to ensure early health monitoring,” said Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, as reported by Detiknews.
Unlike the National Health Insurance (JKN) health screening, which is limited to the detection of 14 types of diseases, the Ministry of Health’s latest screening program presents a broader and more targeted approach.
“Citizens who have a birthday only need to visit the nearest health centre with their identity, and the staff will verify the data based on the population database to access this service,” said Budi.
The screening includes health checks according to age categories, from toddlers to the elderly, to identify the risk of certain diseases that are more common in certain age groups.
How to get a free health check-ups on your birthday
Free medical check-ups are conducted at health centres and schools according to relevant age categories. The Ministry of Health also works with the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration to make the program possible.
Here’s how the free medical check-up works:
- Visit the nearest health centre (Puskesmas) based on age category on your birthday.
- Bring your identity card (KTP)
- Follow the data verification process.
With this program, the Indonesian Ministry of Health is optimistic that it will reduce the mortality rate due to diseases that can be prevented early on. This program is expected to not only increase awareness of the importance of health but also create a stronger and healthier generation in the future.
Types of medical check-ups based on age category
Toddler health screening: Health check-ups for under-fives will focus on the detection of congenital diseases such as congenital hypothyroidism. These diseases, if detected and treated early, can prevent the risk of death or disability.
Adolescent screening: Health screening for adolescents will include checks related to obesity, diabetes, and dental health. These screenings focus on health issues that often begin to develop in childhood and adolescence.
Adult screening: The screening program for adults will focus on cancer screening, such as breast, cervical and prostate cancer.
Elderly screening: Health screening for the elderly will focus on detecting Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, and general health related to ageing.
