Central Bangka Health Department ramps up free health check programme

The public’s awareness of regular health checks remains a challenge, necessitating continued mass education efforts.

The Central Bangka Health Department in Bangka Belitung Islands Province is intensifying the Free Health Check (CKG) programme to broaden healthcare access for residents.

Health Department Head Zaitun stated on Sunday in Koba that the department is accelerating efforts through active screening, health education, and mobile services to all villages.

“We are optimising the CKG programme to ensure more people utilise the government-provided free health checks,” he said.

He explained that public participation in routine health checks needs improvement, requiring strengthened socialisation involving community health centres, health workers, village cadres, and cross-sector stakeholders.

“Public awareness of regular health checks remains a challenge, so we continue mass education efforts,” he added.

In addition to facility-based services, the department conducts active screening and visits to various areas to improve access to CKG services.

Zaitun said the programme is part of efforts to prevent and detect non-communicable diseases early, including hypertension, diabetes, and other health issues.

“Early checks enable people to know their health status sooner, allowing for prompt treatment,” he said.

The central government aims for CKG coverage of 46% of the population by 2026. In Central Bangka, coverage as of April 2026 stands at around 11% of the total population.

The Central Bangka Regency government is confident the programme’s coverage will continue to rise through strengthened health promotion and support from all community elements.