BPJS Kesehatan Tanjungpinang Strengthens Chronic Disease Prevention for Under-45s
The Tanjungpinang branch of the Health Social Security Administering Body (BPJS Kesehatan) is strengthening its chronic disease prevention programme for people under 45 years of age. The initiative comes amid a rise in diabetes and hypertension cases among the younger population, driven by modern lifestyle shifts.
"Our challenge now is that young people rarely visit health facilities because they do not yet have debilitating symptoms. This prevention programme must be promoted going forward, as the potential for diabetes or hypertension to develop into more severe complications is high," said Head of BPJS Kesehatan Tanjungpinang, Nara Grace, on Monday.
Grace explained that the agency is implementing a young Prolanis (Chronic Disease Management Programme) specifically for those under 45. The programme aims to help the productive age group control chronic diseases, prevent complications, and maintain their quality of life. Participants engage in routine group exercise every Friday or Saturday at clinics and community health centres (Puskesmas).
They also receive health counselling from doctors, are provided with referral back programme (PRB) medication, and undergo blood tests directly at laboratories every six months without needing to visit a hospital. "We collect the data and provide it to the relevant Puskesmas regarding patients under 45 who are at risk of diabetes and hypertension, so they can receive counselling, routine blood checks, and PRB medication," Grace stated.
She noted that symptoms of diabetes in young people can include frequent itching on the palms and soles, easy drowsiness and weakness, weight loss, and frequent urination, especially at night. Hypertension symptoms are often triggered by tension and dizziness. While these conditions are often felt, young people tend to ignore them. These diseases are primarily triggered by unhealthy lifestyles, lack of physical activity, smoking, and stress.
"It is okay if you already have diabetes, as long as you take your medication regularly to keep it stable. If it is not stable, it can lead to complications affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, and even the eyes," Grace concluded.