Indonesia launches free health check-up programme

Thousands of Indonesians received free health check-ups on Monday as part of a new annual screening program launched by the government. The initiative, aimed at improving preventative care, fulfills a key election promise from President Prabowo Subianto.

The program offers screenings for cardiovascular diseases, congenital disorders, and other ailments, targeting 60 million people this year and aiming for 280 million by 2030.Eligible Indonesians will receive vouchers for free check-ups at community health centers or schools.

The government allocated 4.7 trillion rupiah ($288 million) to fund the program. This health initiative follows other social welfare promises, including a $4.3 billion free-meal program to combat malnutrition and stunting, which affects one in five children in Indonesia.