The Indonesian Express
The Indonesian Ministry of Health is preparing to launch the Free Health Check Program (PKG), set to begin in February 2025. This initiative is part of President Prabowo Subianto's Quick Win programs. PKG aims to provide free health check-ups for all Indonesian citizens. It serves as a birthday gift from the government to the people, focusing on early detection of health issues, disease prevention, and improving the overall quality of life. To ensure the program's success, the Ministry has issued guidelines for PKG, outlined in the Minister of Health's Decision Number HK.01.07/MENKES/33/2025. This regulation, effective from January 21, 2025, will guide all parties involved, including central and local governments, primary health facilities, public health laboratories, and professional organizations. "The issuance of these guidelines shows our readiness to implement the free health check program. With clear instructions, we hope all involved can coordinate effectively to provide the best service to the public," said Ministry spokesperson Widyawati. Overall, these technical guidelines cover essential aspects of the PKG, including target participants, timing and locations, and the types of examinations tailored to specific groups. PKG is provided to all target groups in various ways. The PKG for Birthdays is aimed at infants and children up to 6 years old (toddlers and preschoolers) and for those aged 18 and above (adults and seniors). The PKG for Schools is for children aged 7-17 years (school-age and teenagers) and is conducted every new school year. The Special PKG is for pregnant women, infants, and children up to 6 years old (toddlers and preschoolers), including health checks that follow the standards for Maternal and Child Health (KIA). For newborns, the health check will occur two days after birth to ensure the clinical relevance of the specimens taken. For other age groups, checks are done on their birthday or within a month after. The Birthday PKG is carried out in line with the life cycle at Primary Health Care Facilities (FKTP) and other facilities, using an integrated information system connected to the National Health Information System (SIKN). The type of examination provided will be tailored to the age and common health issues of each target group. For newborns, checks include early detection of conditions like thyroid hormone deficiency, G6PD deficiency, adrenal issues, critical congenital heart disease, and growth problems. Toddlers and preschoolers will undergo growth and development checks, as well as early detection for diseases such as tuberculosis, hearing impairments, eye and dental issues, thalassemia, and diabetes. For adults, examinations will include evaluations of cardiovascular risk factors, lung issues like tuberculosis and COPD, early detection of breast, cervical, lung, and colorectal cancers, sensory function, and mental health, as well as liver health and assessments for engaged couples.