Cipayung Health Centre Introduces Innovative Osteoarthritis Programme for the Elderly
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Cipayung District Health Centre in East Jakarta has introduced an innovation called Sentra Emas (Centre for Healthy, Independent, Active and Skilful Elderly Transformation) as a programme to handle osteoarthritis, or chronic joint inflammation, for elderly residents.
“To improve the health of the elderly, particularly in handling osteoarthritis or chronic joint inflammation due to cartilage damage, the Cipayung District Health Centre is introducing the Sentra Emas innovation,” said Dr. Qotrunnada Fithrotunnisa, a doctor at the Cipayung Health Centre, in Jakarta on Thursday.
The programme was developed in response to rising osteoarthritis cases over the past three years.
One of the flagship services in the programme is cooperation with PT Transjakarta through the Transjakarta Care service, which provides pick-up and drop-off for elderly persons with disabilities, making it easier for them to access health services.
Additionally, the Cipayung Health Centre has developed healthy joint exercises and published a ‘Healthy Joints Smart Book’ that has obtained a copyright certificate. The book serves as an educational and communication medium for the elderly to understand and manage osteoarthritis comprehensively.
“The results of the elderly classes we have held show an improved quality of life, reduced pain, and tangible benefits from the healthy joint exercises based on participant testimonials,” Qotrunnada explained.
According to Qotrunnada, the innovation is a sustainable solution to help the elderly remain healthy, independent, productive, and have a better quality of life.
During an elderly integrated health post activity at the RW 04 Secretariat in Lubang Buaya Village, 96 elderly residents underwent health checks including blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol tests. Participants also received osteoarthritis education, took part in healthy joint exercises, and attended physical rehabilitation counselling resulting from collaboration with a physiotherapist from Cipayung Regional General Hospital.
Meanwhile, the Sentra Emas innovation originated from an elderly service innovation competition in East Jakarta. The programme won 1st Place at the East Jakarta Innovation Days 2026 and 2nd Place at the DKI Jakarta Provincial Health Office Innovation Days.
Qotrunnada hopes the innovation can be replicated by hospitals and health centres in Jakarta and other regions in Indonesia so its benefits can be felt more widely.