Free Health Checks to Begin in February for All Life Cycles

Author: Dian Kencana
January 5, 2025

Health check up illustration. (ANTARA)

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The Free Health Screening Program will begin gradually in February. These health screenings will be categorized by age.

In the toddler age group, screenings will focus on detection of congenital diseases such as congenital hypothyroidism. If detected, these diseases will be treated early, thus preventing the risk of mental retardation in children.

For the adolescent age group, screenings will cover obesity, diabetes and dental.

The World Health Organization WHO and the United Nations Children's Fund UNICEF emphasize the importance of child health screening as a crucial step to early detection of various health conditions that can affect a child's development and well-being.

“Health screening helps in early detection of health problems such as malnutrition, anemia, hearing impairment, and visual impairment,” he said.

According to Dedek, early detection allows for faster and more effective interventions, and the program helps give birth to the Golden Generation 2045.

For adults, the screening is focused on cancer detection, such as breast, cervical, lung and colon cancer. While for the elderly, the focus is on cardiovascular diseases and also detection of diseases due to the aging process.

Presidential Communications Office Spokesperson Dedek Prayudi, on Friday (1/3) said, “Those who are included in the service recipients and have a birthday in early 2025 are entitled to receive a birthday gift from President Prabowo. Come to the nearest puskesmas or other health facility, show your identity card, get a complete health check, for free.”