Free Health Check Programme in Border Area Strengthens Promotive-Preventive Services

The Free Health Check (CKG) programme in the border area of Sebatik Tengah, Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan, is being directed towards strengthening promotive and preventive health services through the Integrated Primary Services Posyandu (ILP) held every month. Sebatik Tengah Sub-district Head Aris Nur stated that the ILP Posyandu no longer only serves infants and toddlers, but now covers the entire life cycle, from babies, children, adolescents, adults, to the elderly. “In the past, posyandu only handled infants and toddlers. Now, through ILP, the entire life cycle is served, including the elderly, with a greater focus on free health checks,” Aris said in Sebatik on Thursday. According to him, examination results so far indicate that hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the most common complaint found among the elderly group. In addition to services at the posyandu, the sub-district government together with the community health centre (puskesmas) also runs a home visit programme for residents who cannot attend the activities, especially vulnerable groups and people with limited mobility. “After the posyandu activities, officers record residents who have not had the chance to attend. They are then visited at home for health checks together with puskesmas staff,” he said. Aris noted that this approach aligns with the Ministry of Health’s policy, which prioritises promotive and preventive efforts so that diseases can be detected earlier before they develop into more serious conditions. The Sebatik Tengah Sub-district Government hopes that public awareness, especially among the elderly, to participate in routine health checks will continue to increase so they do not depend on home visit services. However, Aris acknowledged that challenges remain in reaching some Indonesian citizens who work and reside in the Sebatik area of Malaysia. Therefore, his office plans to establish communication with several companies in the Sebatik area of Malaysia so that health services for border residents can reach more people. “We hope that this year communication with companies can be established so that health services for border residents can be more optimal,” said Sebatik Tengah Sub-district Head Aris Nur.