INDONESIA’S FREE HEALTH SCREENING FINDS 96 PCT OF ADULTS PHYSICALLY INACTIVE

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- A free nationwide health screening in Indonesia this year participated by more than 50.5 million people has revealed widespread inactivity and other major health issues afflicting the country’s 285 million population, the Health Ministry said.

Initiated by President Prabowo Subianto, the Free Health Check Programme ran from Feb 10 to Nov 4. It drew an unprecedented turnout; some 53.6 million people registered nationwide, reflecting a growing health awareness across the republic.

The October data show persistent lifestyle-related risks: nearly 96 per cent of adults are found to be physically inactive, 41.9 per cent have dental caries, 32.9 per cent have central obesity, and 24.4 per cent are overweight or obese, according to the ministry’s report.

“The participation of more than 50 million people is a milestone in national health efforts, but the data also serve as a warning that physical activity and healthy lifestyles must become a shared priority,” Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said.

According to the ministry, checks across other age groups showed similar patterns, with 18.6 per cent of newborns at risk of biliary tract disorders, 6.1 per cent having low birth weight, and 5.5 per cent suffering from critical congenital heart disease.

Among toddlers and preschoolers, the data show poor dental health (31.5 per cent), stunting (5.3 per cent), and wasting, or acute undernutrition (3.8 per cent).

As for teenagers, 60.1 per cent are physically inactive, 50.3 per cent have dental caries, and 27.2 per cent have anaemia, while 96.7 per cent of older adults are inactive and 37.7 per cent have hypertension.

Budi said the findings would guide stronger preventive health policies and campaigns to promote active lifestyles.

“We want people not only to recover from illness but to stay healthy in the long term,” he said, adding that the success of the programme was a result of the support of medical staff, community clinics, and local governments nationwide.

-- BERNAMA