Medan, May 18, 2025 – The Europe Today: Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has reaffirmed the Indonesian government’s commitment to equitable access to healthcare services, emphasizing the expansion of the Free Health Check-up (CKG) program in rural and remote areas.
During a visit to the Sigompul Local Health Center on Friday, May 16, Vice President Gibran stated, “This activity is part of the government’s commitment to realizing equitable access to basic services, especially in the health sector.”He described the CKG program as a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening human resource development, ensuring that citizens in rural and underdeveloped areas receive the same standard of care as those in urban centers.
“Early detection is key in preventing diseases from progressing into more serious conditions,” Gibran added, urging the public to utilize the free health check-up services and raising awareness about the program’s benefits.
The Vice President expressed optimism about expanding the program to reach more underserved communities, particularly outside Java, and underscored that health equity should no longer remain a mere aspiration but become a tangible reality.“Healthcare service equity is no longer just a discourse but a tangible reality among the people. Building a strong, inclusive, and sustainable primary healthcare system across the country is a priority,” he said.
However, local health officials voiced concern over the program’s low uptake. Yuhelen Sidabutar, Head of the Sigompul Health Center, reported that only 62 people have utilized the CKG services since the program was launched nationally on February 10, averaging just 2–3 patients per day.Sidabutar cited challenges such as a shortage of medical personnel and infrastructure limitations, including unreliable internet connectivity, which hamper the program’s effectiveness in remote areas.Despite these hurdles, both national and local authorities remain committed to improving outreach and infrastructure to ensure wider access and better health outcomes for all Indonesians.
