Health as a Long-Term Investment: Banten’s Initiative for Free Health Checks
JAKARTA – In an era where health is perceived beyond the absence of pain, the notion of maintaining well-being has evolved into a long-term investment that necessitates regular monitoring. Recognizing the escalating prevalence of modern diseases, the Banten Provincial Health Office (Dinkes) has launched an ambitious initiative: the Free Health Check (CKG) program. The aim? To reach 46 percent of the province’s 13 million residents by the conclusion of 2026.
The Urgent Need for Early Detection
The impetus behind the CKG program is the alarming rise of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which increasingly affect individuals across various age groups, from children to the elderly. Early detection is crucial in curbing these health threats, and this program is designed to facilitate just that.
Ati Pramudji Hastuti, head of the Banten Health Office, underscores that different stages of life introduce unique health challenges. Through the latest health mapping, specific areas of concern have been identified for the Banten community.
Health Challenges Across Age Groups
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Productive Age to Elderly: Among adults, hypertension and diabetes mellitus stand out as significant health threats. These conditions are often exacerbated by contemporary urban lifestyles characterized by high stress levels and poor dietary habits.
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School-Aged Children: For children, the predominant health issues are dental caries and vision disorders. These problems are largely attributed to excessive consumption of sugary foods and increased screen time, emphasizing a critical need for early intervention.
Lifestyle Intervention: A Community Imperative
The Banten Health Office’s findings on rising rates of diabetes and dental problems have prompted a proactive response focused on lifestyle changes. The office is now taking a dual approach: not only treating conditions but also implementing preventive measures to combat unhealthy habits.
Educating the community on controlling sugar intake and instilling good dental hygiene, such as proper tooth brushing, are cornerstones of this initiative. Schools are a focal point for these educational efforts, with collaborations involving various professional organizations aimed at fostering healthier habits among the youth.
Innovative Collaborations for Health Promotion
“We can’t just treat, but we have to intervene in lifestyle patterns,” emphasizes Ati during a recent statement in Serang City. The CKG program acts as a gateway, raising awareness among individuals concerning their health status and encouraging preventive care.
To support the health check results, the Banten government has outlined several concrete actions, including:
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Mass Tooth Brushing Campaign: In partnership with the Indonesian Dental Association (PDGI), the initiative will promote oral hygiene practices among elementary students, laying the groundwork for better health as they grow.
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Provision of Free Glasses: Collaborating with the Indonesian Optometric Refractive Association (IROPIN), the initiative will provide glasses to schoolchildren diagnosed with vision problems, ensuring that these issues do not hinder their academic pursuits.
Community Engagement: A Call to Action
Achieving the CKG program’s target of 46 percent participation by the end of 2026 presents a formidable challenge, requiring robust community engagement and participation. Routine health checks empower individuals not only to safeguard their health but also to contribute to the overarching goal of fostering a healthier, more productive generation in Banten.
By prioritizing health screenings and lifestyle improvements, the Banten Provincial Health Office is laying a foundation for a community that values well-being as a lifelong endeavor, encouraging collective responsibility towards health management.
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