The Free Health Check (CKG) program is viewed as a crucial step towards a healthier nation, according to the Senior Expert at the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), Hariqo Wibawa Satria. Hariqo emphasized that CKG serves as the starting point in the journey towards disease prevention and promotes a shift in mindset towards prioritizing health. He expressed optimism that each Independence Day on August 17 would not only be a celebration of freedom, but also a milestone in liberating Indonesians from illnesses.
The administration of President Prabowo has implemented a range of priority programs, including CKG, the “Stop TB” campaign, and initiatives to enhance regional public hospitals and provide incentives for medical specialists in remote areas. Despite Indonesia’s 80 years of independence, the nation still grapples with the burden of diseases, impacting both the economy and society. Illnesses have been shown to reduce productivity and GDP, with preventable health issues like smoking and obesity costing the country significantly.
Hariqo stressed the importance of investing in health as a strategic economic asset, noting various health challenges facing Indonesian children, such as diabetes, obesity, and poor dental health. The excessive use of gadgets has also been identified as a factor affecting children’s vision. CKG plays a vital role in preventive healthcare and health education to tackle these issues.
The goal is for each Independence Day celebration to signify progress in reducing the prevalence of illnesses among citizens, enabling them to actively contribute to national development and economic growth. Hariqo highlighted that a healthy population boosts life expectancy and enhances human resource productivity. Improved public health can lead to a significant increase in the contribution of a healthy workforce to GDP, potentially driving annual economic growth by 1-2 percent, as indicated by various studies.
