Early Detection of Non-Communicable Diseases Remains a Challenge, Screening Reaches 15,000 Residents

Public awareness regarding the early detection of non-communicable diseases remains a significant challenge. Conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar often present no symptoms in their early stages, meaning they are frequently only discovered after triggering complications. This situation is reflected in the results of health screenings conducted through the ‘Cek Kesehatan Segitiga’ programme. Of the more than 15,000 people who have undergone examinations since 2024, approximately 63 per cent were recorded as having at least one risk factor for a non-communicable disease. A total of 40.05 per cent of participants had high blood pressure, 35.2 per cent had high cholesterol levels, and 14.88 per cent showed high blood sugar levels. A single participant could have more than one risk factor. The programme, run by Dexa Medica through Dharma Dexa, was held again in Surabaya on 12–13 July 2026 at Lapangan Bogowonto and the University of Surabaya. A total of 782 participants underwent blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol checks, complemented by health education, doctor consultations, and physical activities such as zumba and poundfit. Screening results in Surabaya showed that around six out of ten participants had at least one risk factor for a non-communicable disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar. Dr. Sheila, a general practitioner at William Booth Hospital Surabaya, stated that an unbalanced diet, lack of physical activity, and the habit of staying up late are several factors that increase the risk of non-communicable diseases. ‘Regular health checks are important to determine blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol early on. When risk factors are found, people can immediately improve their lifestyle and seek further consultation with health professionals,’ she said. Sonny Himawan, Head of Corporate Communications at Dexa Group, said the Cek Kesehatan Segitiga programme is part of the company’s support for government efforts that increasingly emphasise promotive and preventive health services. ‘As a national pharmaceutical company, we believe that our contribution to public health must also start with prevention,’ he said. He noted that raising public awareness of early detection requires collaboration from various parties, including the government, health workers, educational institutions, and communities. Dharma Dexa Manager Mateus Ramidi said the implementation of the programme in Surabaya was deliberately carried out in two different locations to reach more diverse community groups. ‘The selection of Lapangan Bogowonto and the University of Surabaya allows the programme to reach more diverse community groups. A similar approach will continue to be developed in various cities so that the benefits of health examinations and education can be felt more widely,’ he said. To date, Cek Kesehatan Segitiga has reached communities in Bandung, Bogor, Cirebon, Jakarta, Karawang, Makassar, Solo, Surabaya, South Tangerang, and Yogyakarta. The programme is next scheduled to be held in the Gelora Bung Karno area, Jakarta, on 19 July 2026. One participant, Anita (54), said the health screening helped her understand her health condition and the steps she needed to take after receiving the results. ‘I not only got an examination, but also an explanation of the results and what to do afterwards. That is what makes this activity useful,’ she said.