Independent Report – Vice Chairman of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives Charles Honoris, urges the government. Particularly the Ministry of Health and to ensure the successful implementation of the Free Health Check-Up (PKG) program. This appeal comes as budget efficiency measures impact healthcare services.
The government schedules the commencement of the Free Health Check-Up (PKG) program for Monday, February 10, 2025. Charles Honoris emphasizes the need for the Ministry of Health to optimize service delivery despite the budget efficiency efforts affecting the sector.
He expresses concerns over the IDR 19.6 trillion budget cut in the healthcare sector this year. Stressing that it should not negatively impact public health services. He underscores that this reduction should not hinder the effectiveness of the PKG program. Which the government identifies as a priority initiative and plans to start on February 10, 2025.
Charles states that the PKG program, designed for citizens on their birthdays, aims to detect multiple potential health conditions. This initiative allows individuals to identify any underlying health issues, enabling them to seek further treatment at healthcare. Facilities covered by BPJS Kesehatan, Indonesia’s national health insurance program.
He highlights the necessity for the government to anticipate a potential surge in curative healthcare services following the PKG program. The reduction in healthcare funding should not compromise the quality of medical services. Particularly for those requiring further treatment after undergoing the free health check-up.
Charles warns against inadequate healthcare services due to budget constraints. Emphasizing that discovering health conditions through the PKG program could lead to an increase in demand for medical treatment. He urges the government to ensure that healthcare services remain optimal despite financial limitations.
The PDIP politician further states that financial constraints should not excuse neglecting essential health services, including promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care. He asserts that prioritizing programs is necessary to manage budget limitations. Eliminating essential healthcare services should not be an option.
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President Prabowo Subianto announces the launch date of the free health check-up program. Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin conveys this decision after meeting with Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.
According to Minister Budi, the free health check-up program will start on February 10, 2025, covering services at community health centers (puskesmas) and private clinics across Indonesia. The program benefits individuals across all age groups, from infants to the elderly.
In its initial phase, the program operates in 10,000 puskesmas and 15,000 clinics nationwide. Minister Budi further explains that infants and non-school-age children will receive free check-ups on their birthdays, plus an additional month.
“The check-ups will take place on their birthdays plus one month,” Minister Budi states, as quoted by Antara News Agency.
The government aims to improve public health services and ensure early disease detection through this program, ultimately reducing the burden of severe illnesses and hospitalizations. However, with the healthcare budget streamlined, effective management and resource allocation play crucial roles in sustaining the initiative.
The success of the Free Health Check-Up program depends on the government’s ability to navigate financial constraints while maintaining high-quality healthcare services for all citizens. Policymakers and healthcare providers must collaborate to ensure that the program fulfills its intended objectives without compromising service delivery.
Charles Honoris reiterates the importance of comprehensive healthcare services—ranging from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation—despite financial adjustments. He calls on the government to adopt strategic planning and resource management to ensure that healthcare services remain accessible and effective for all Indonesians.
As the February 10 launch date approaches, the government must take proactive steps to address potential challenges, ensuring that the Free Health Check-Up program provides meaningful benefits to the public without budgetary limitations hindering its success.
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