Free health checks: Govt aims for early detection of 5 cancers

Indonesia’s Free Health Check program: Early Cancer Detection for All

Indonesia’s Health Ministry is on a mission too combat cancer by making early detection readily accessible to all citizens. The Free Health Check program, launched on February 10, 2025, aims to implement this goal by offering a comprehensive range of screenings for five types of cancers.

Preventive Care at Your Doorstep

The program provides crucial early screening for various cancers,including cervical and breast cancers,which disproportionately affect women. It also extends protection to men by offering colon and lung cancer screenings. For children under one year old, the program includes retina examinations to detect retinoblastoma, a rare childhood eye cancer.

“The Free Health checks can be easily accessed by the public at the nearest health center and are available for all groups ranging from two-day-old children to the elderly,” explained Siti Nadia Tarmizi, director of prevention and control of non-communicable diseases at the ministry.

Comprehensive Cancer Detection Facilities

The government has made critically important strides in bolstering cancer detection capabilities at the local level. Health centers across districts and cities are now equipped with the necessary technology and infrastructure. This includes HPV DNA facilities for cervical cancer detection, ultrasounds for breast cancer screenings, fast scans for colon cancer screening, and X-ray or spirometry for lung cancer checks.

“We are also gradually providing mammography in several districts/cities along with fast scans for better health facilities,” tarmizi added, highlighting the continuous effort to enhance healthcare services.

Early Detection: The Key to Fighting Cancer

The Free Health Check program emphasizes the vital role of early detection in cancer treatment. “Hopefully, if we detect early and we continue the diagnosis, we can handle it at the early stages,” Tarmizi stated, underscoring the program’s potential to improve patient outcomes.

Reaching Millions: A National Initiative

The program, the largest of its kind run by the Ministry of Health, targets 280 million Indonesians, demonstrating its ambitious scope. It is indeed divided into three types: birthday health checks, school-based health checks for ages 7-17, and special health checks for pregnant women and toddlers, ensuring comprehensive coverage across age groups.

“It is indeed expected to support the early detection of cancer so that the disease can be treated in the early stages,” said Tarmizi, emphasizing the program’s potential to significantly reduce cancer mortality rates.

Call to Action

The Free Health Check program offers a powerful prospect for Indonesians to prioritize their health. Take advantage of this valuable resource and schedule your check-up today. early detection is the first step towards a healthier future.

What is the role of media campaigns in raising awareness about the Free health Check Program?

Indonesia’s Free Health Check Program: A Conversation with Dr. Novi Robiana, National Program director

Efforts to Combat cancer thru Early Detection

Archyde News recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Novi Robiana, the national director of Indonesia’s Free Health Check program. The initiative, launched in February 2025, is a groundbreaking effort to make early cancer detection readily accessible to all citizens. Here’s what Dr. Robiana had to say about this ambitious journey.

Preventive Care at the Grassroots Level

Archyde News (AN): Dr. Robiana,tell us about the types of cancers being screened and the age groups targeted by this program.

Dr. Novi Robiana (NR): We’re currently offering screening for five types of cancers – cervical, breast, colon, lung, and retinoblastoma for children under one year old. Our program is divided into three categories: birthday health checks for all age groups,school-based checks for ages 7 to 17,and special checks for pregnant women and toddlers.

Strengthening Local Healthcare Infrastructure

AN: How has the program equipped local health centers to handle these screenings?

NR: We’ve provided necessary technology and infrastructure to health centers across the country. This includes HPV DNA facilities for cervical cancer, ultrasounds for breasts, fast scans for colons, and X-ray or spirometry for lung cancer checks.We’re also gradually introducing mammography in several districts.

Early Detection: The Game Changer

AN: Why is early detection so crucial in cancer treatment?

NR: Early detection is indeed the key to fighting cancer. If we can detect it early and continue with diagnosis, we can treat it at early stages, leading to better patient outcomes.

reaching the Nation: Challenges and Rewards

AN: With a population of 280 million, what challenges have you faced in implementing this program, and how have you addressed them?

NR: Reaching such a vast population is indeed challenging, but we’ve addressed this by decentralizing the program, providing adequate training to local health workers, and raising awareness through media campaigns.

A Call to Action: Indonesia’s Health Revolution

AN: What advice would you give to Indonesians regarding this program, and how can they get involved?

NR: I’d advise everyone to take advantage of this valuable resource and schedule their check-ups today. Early detection is the first step towards a healthier future. We also welcome volunteers and organizations willing to help us spread awareness and make our program even more triumphant.