Health Minister Warns Chronic Illness Patients: Here's the Consequence of Non-Compliance

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has reminded the public not to “take a break” from taking medication during Eid al-Fitr celebrations for those suffering from certain diseases. This habit is said to be one of the causes of the increase in hospital patients after Lebaran.

The man familiarly known as BGS said that many sufferers of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol stop or forget to take their medication during family gatherings.

“I already know they have diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, but during Lebaran they deliberately don’t take their medicine. I scold them all. That’s what causes hospital admissions,” he stated in the Budi Gemar Sharing #BGS programme, quoted from a reel on the official Instagram account @bgsadikin, Sunday (22/3/2026).

He explained that eating patterns during Lebaran, which tend to be high in sugar, salt, and fat, become risk factors that worsen health conditions. This is especially true for sufferers of comorbidities.

For diabetes sufferers, BGS reminded them to continue routinely consuming medication such as metformin, especially after consuming sweet foods and drinks like es teler or es kelapa.

“Then for hypertension sufferers, consuming salty foods like Lebaran dishes can trigger a rise in blood pressure. Therefore, medication like amlodipine must still be taken every day,” said Budi.

Meanwhile, foods high in coconut milk and fat such as opor and gulai also risk increasing cholesterol levels. Budi reminded high cholesterol sufferers not to skip taking medication like simvastatin, especially at night.

He emphasised that the Lebaran moment should not be an excuse to neglect health.

“Gathering with family and eating delicious food is fine, but don’t neglect taking care of your own body,” said Budi.

Furthermore, he invited the public to remind family members who have chronic diseases to remain disciplined in undergoing treatment.

“Come on, let’s remind each other, especially for parents and family members who must take medication routinely every day,” he said.

Budi stressed that compliance with taking medication during Lebaran is key to ensuring the public remains healthy and avoids the risk of complications after the long holiday period.