Child growth disorders pose a risk of causing long-term economic\nlosses. In addition to requiring treatment costs, delays in recognising\ngrowth disorders are considered to prevent children from reaching their\nfull potential into adulthood.<\/p>\n
Paediatric Endocrinologist Prof.\u00a0Dr.\u00a0dr. Aman Bherm Bhakti Pulungan\nstated that the economic impact of growth disorders must be taken into\naccount, as every child possesses potential that can contribute to\nsociety in adulthood. \u201cIf we look at the impact of delays, we must\nconsider this from an economic perspective,\u201d Aman said during a media\nbriefing for Children\u2019s Growth Awareness Week 2026 in Jakarta on Tuesday\n(22\/9\/2026).<\/p>\n
According to Aman, one issue that requires attention is the cost of\ntreating growth disorders. He noted that some families still take their\nchildren for medical treatment in Singapore and Malaysia, despite the\ncosts in those two countries being significantly higher.<\/p>\n
However, Aman noted that the economic impact is not solely related to\nthe expenses incurred by families for medical treatment. Delays in\ntreatment can also cause children to miss opportunities to achieve their\nbest potential. \u201cWe can calculate the loss of opportunity for every\nchild if we do not treat them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Aman emphasised that a child\u2019s potential must be viewed in the long\nterm. In his view, a child with certain potential can develop into a\nprofessional or a leader in the future. \u201cThe potential of all children\nis equal, and we should provide equal opportunities. The state must\nensure this right is upheld,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Therefore, Aman believes that growth disorders need to be recognised\nearly. He suggested that parents should not only look at a child\u2019s\nheight at a single point in time but also monitor growth patterns and\nthe rate of height increase over time. If growth patterns deviate from\nwhat is expected, parents can consult healthcare professionals for\nfurther evaluation.<\/p>\n
Growth disorders are not always related to nutritional issues.\nAccording to Merck educational materials, short stature in children can\nbe linked to hormonal disorders such as Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD),\nSmall for Gestational Age (SGA), hypothyroidism, genetic factors, and\nother chronic medical conditions.<\/p>\n
President Director of PT Merck Tbk, Evie Yulin, stated that public\nawareness regarding growth disorders remains low. Furthermore, even\nthose who are aware of the condition do not necessarily receive\ntreatment within the country. \u201cAwareness is still very low. Even when\npeople are aware, they often go abroad for treatment,\u201d said Evie.<\/p>\n
According to Evie, a child who is short-statured does not always\nsuffer from stunting. Therefore, regular growth monitoring is essential\nso that parents can recognise growth patterns that require further\nmedical examination.<\/p>\n
Merck has introduced the interactive website takartinggi.com as a\ntool to help parents monitor child growth. Evie emphasised that the\nwebsite is not a diagnostic tool, but rather a monitoring resource to\nhelp parents determine when it is necessary to consult a healthcare\nprofessional.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/child-growth-disorders-risk-long-term-economic-losses-1790089032", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }