Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Deputy Minister of Health, Dante Saksono Harbuwono, said on Tuesday (5/11/2024) that free health screenings for citizens on their birthdays will be customized according to age group needs. 

“Screenings will be divided by age segments: children, pregnant women, adults, and seniors. For adults, cancer screening, among others, will be included,” he explained, as quoted by antaranews.com..

Deputy Minister Dante emphasized the importance of early detection to reduce high medical costs associated with late-stage treatments, noting, “Health expenses are significantly lower when diseases are caught early.”

Thyroid disease, which saw national health insurance claims reach Rp 750 billion in 2023, is among the illnesses included in the screening program. For thyroid checks, community health centers, locally known as Puskesmas, nationwide are now equipped with ultrasound devices for detecting abnormalities

To encourage participation, the Ministry of Health plans to send birthday reminders via cell phones, directing citizens to nearby health facilities for free screenings.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)