Indonesia has introduced a nationwide free health screening program to prevent early deaths, allocating 3 trillion rupiah ($183 million) to the initiative that aims to screen 100M people in 2025.
Indonesia has launched its largest-ever health screening program, offering free annual check-ups to citizens on their birthdays. The initiative, valued at 3 trillion rupiah ($183 million), includes screenings for heart disease, stroke risks, eye health, and mental health conditions. Initially targeting children under six and adults over 18, the program is being rolled out across 20,000 healthcare centres and clinics.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasised the importance of preventive care, as many Indonesians seek medical attention only when already ill. However, researchers have warned that the initiative could strain local health facilities due to limited resources. The government aims to reach 100 million people this year despite budget adjustments. Officials hope the program will shift healthcare culture toward early disease detection and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in one of the world’s most populous nations.
