Kotabaru, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Kotabaru, South Kalimantan, Health Office launched a free health check (PKG) program, while distributing mass worm prevention medication (POPM) phase two at three elementary schools, SDN Dirgahayu 1, 2, and 6, in Pulau Laut Utara Sub-district.
Regional Secretary of Kotabaru, Eka Saprudin, said that this program aligns with the direction of national health development as outlined in the President's 2024–2029 vision and mission towards Golden Indonesia 2045.
“The free health check is to detect risk factors and diseases early. Today, the free health check and POPM carried out simultaneously throughout Kotabaru,” he said here as reported on Thursday.
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Head of Kotabaru Health Office Erwin Simanjuntak explained that this activity is a new program targeting children and teenagers aged 7–17 years.
The checks covers 13–15 types of tests, including nutritional status, blood pressure, blood sugar, eye health, dental health, ear health, and reproductve health. “Free health check in school aims to increase health awarenss and early detection so that children grow healthy and intelligent,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mass Preventive Drug Administration (POPM) for worm is a national program targeting children aged 1–12. This program is carried out twice a year to reduce the number of worm infection.
“The first phase was conducted last February, and the second takes place from August to September with a target of 61,667 children in Kotabaru,” added Erwin.
The government hopes that the synergy between schools, health workers, and parents will improve children's health status. “More than 80% of school age children are in schools, so this program is strategic to develop a generation that is intelligent, moral, and high-achieving,” he concluded.
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