Ministry of Health Facilitates Free Medical Examinations for Public Transport Drivers

Serang — The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) is facilitating free medical examinations for public transport drivers as a strategic measure to reduce the number of traffic accidents during the 2026 Lebaran exodus.

The policy was announced by Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin during an inspection of exodus preparations at Merak Port in Cilegon, Banten, alongside National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo and officials from relevant ministries on Friday.

“The first step we are taking with our team is to facilitate all public transport drivers with free health checks. This is a mandate from the President to ensure they are in good physical condition while performing their duties on the road,” explained Minister Budi.

He noted that incidents on the highway continue to dominate medical emergency issues during each exodus period.

Nevertheless, based on reports received, he said there has been a downward trend in the number of accident cases in recent years.

“The accident trend has been declining year on year. If two years ago the figures were around four thousand cases, last year it dropped to three thousand. We hope this year we can reduce the numbers further,” he stated.

In addition to the medical examination programme, the Health Minister also urged all parties to optimise emergency health services, particularly at locations classified as high-risk accident zones.

At these high-risk locations, the government will establish health posts with more comprehensive equipment.

This effort is being prepared to ensure that medical treatment for traffic accident victims can be handled promptly, quickly, and in a coordinated manner.