The North Sumatra Provincial Health Office (Dinkes) is expanding the focus of its Free Health Check (CKG) program beyond physical illnesses to serve as a vital instrument in mapping public mental health. To date, the program has reached over 2.8 million residents, revealing significant findings regarding symptoms of anxiety and stress among People with Mental Health Problems (ODMK).
Head of Public Health at the North Sumatra Health Office, Hery Valona Bonatua Ambarita, explained that early detection is crucial to prevent mild stress from escalating into severe mental disorders. According to data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, the prevalence of anxiety disorders in Indonesia reaches 1.2 percent of the total population. This phenomenon is predominantly found among adolescents due to academic pressure, as well as adults struggling under economic burdens.
As a mitigation effort, the regional government has targeted mental health screening for 22,000 people, with progress currently reaching 67 percent. This approach encompasses two main pathways: early intervention for ODMK and comprehensive services for People with Mental Disorders (ODGJ) through cross-sectoral collaboration down to the regency/city level.
Furthermore, this program serves as the spearhead in eradicating the practice of physical restraint/shackling (pasung) for mental health patients. Through the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Free Medical Care Program (PROBIS), the public now has full access to specialized medical services and up to 42 days of hospitalization without financial burden.
The North Sumatra Health Office emphasized that mental disorders are equivalent to other chronic diseases, such as hypertension or diabetes, requiring disciplined medication adherence so patients can become productive again. The public is urged to promptly bring family members showing signs of mental disorders to the hospital, rather than resorting to inhumane shackling practices.
