JAKARTA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia is expanding its free national health screening program, targeting 136 million people by the end of the year as part of efforts to combat rising cases of liver disease and cancer.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said on Tuesday that the new target nearly doubles the previous goal of 70 million screenings and aims to improve the detection and treatment of hepatitis infections.
"The target is 90 percent, but currently only 10 percent has been achieved," Budi said, referring to World Health Organization targets for Hepatitis B and C screening.
He said the government plans to strengthen early detection through community health centers by training general practitioners to identify conditions such as liver fibrosis and fatty liver disease at earlier stages. Existing ultrasound equipment at local clinics will also be utilized for advanced screening.
"If it is detected early, instead of waiting until cirrhosis, we can immediately provide treatment once fibrosis appears," Budi said.
He added that the high cost of hepatitis medicines remains a challenge, with prices in Indonesia still significantly above international benchmarks.
The initiative forms part of the government's broader effort to shift healthcare policy toward preventive care and early intervention. ■
