The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenkes RI) is currently expanding the coverage of the Free Health Check (CKG) program as a strategic step to reduce the high fatality rate from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country. This preventive effort focuses on the early detection of basic health indicators to identify the potential for chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and kidney failure before they reach a critical stage.
Based on Ministry of Health data as of February 20, 2025, non-communicable diseases account for nearly 75 percent of the total death toll in Indonesia. Out of this number, cardiovascular disease ranks highest, claiming nearly 800,000 lives annually. This high figure highlights the urgent need for routine checks of three key indicators: blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol.
Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized that the risk of these deadly diseases can actually be significantly reduced if the trigger factors are identified early. Regular checks are crucial given that symptoms of hypertension and diabetes are often invisible in the early stages, meaning patients frequently feel healthy until severe complications arise.
Through this year's CKG program, the government is ensuring that services do not stop at the screening stage. Citizens detected with high-risk factors will immediately receive comprehensive medical intervention, ranging from healthy lifestyle education and free medications to referral facilities at hospitals with more complete specializations.
Responding to this program, Dr. dr. Ariani Dewi Widodo, Sp.A(K), FISQua, a Ministry of Health advisor and Director of Harapan Kita Hospital, stated that the biggest challenge today is changing public stigma. Many citizens are reluctant to undergo checks for fear of finding out they have a disease. In reality, early diagnosis provides the best opportunity for recovery and preventing the worsening of medical conditions.
In addition to managing NCDs, the Ministry of Health is also leveraging this strengthening of healthcare facilities to intensify the elimination of Tuberculosis (TB). Given that Indonesia currently ranks second globally in tuberculosis burden after India, expanding the reach of this screening is expected to foster a more productive society with a better quality of life.
