The Blitar City Health Office (Dinkes) noted that public participation in the Free Health Check (CKG) program is still relatively low. To date, the program, which is designed for the early detection of various potential diseases, has only been utilized by about 35 percent of the total target local residents.
Head of the Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) Division of the Blitar City Health Office, Silvia Dewi Kusumawati, revealed that public awareness regarding regular health check-ups needs to be increased. According to her, early detection is crucial to identify diseases that often develop without clear initial symptoms.
Silvia emphasized that the CKG service is not only for residents who are currently experiencing health complaints. Even residents who feel healthy are highly encouraged to participate in order to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension, in line with the national disease control target by 2030.
To access this free service, Blitar City residents only need to visit the public health center (puskesmas) or first-level health facility where they are registered. The requirements are quite simple, namely just bringing their ID card (KTP) and registering during their birth month to receive one free check-up every year.
The CKG program itself was actually launched last year. Responding to the still low participation rate, the Blitar City Health Office is committed to stepping up massive education and socialization efforts so that the public can be more proactive in maintaining their health before their physical condition deteriorates.
