MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The North Sumatra Provincial Government is accelerating the implementation of its Free Health Check (CKG) Program to improve public health through the early detection of various diseases. In 2026, the provincial administration aims to provide free health screenings to approximately 46 percent of the population, or around 7.3 million residents.
The target represents a significant increase from last year's achievement. The provincial government is confident it can meet the goal by expanding access to healthcare services across the region while strengthening collaboration with district and municipal governments.
Head of Public Health at the North Sumatra Provincial Health Office, Hery Valona Bonatua Ambarita, said the Free Health Check Program has continued to show positive progress since its launch in February 2025, with the number of participants steadily increasing.
Hery delivered the statement during a press briefing organized by the
North Sumatra Provincial Communication and Informatics Office at the lobby of the Dekranasda Building, Governor's Office Complex on Jalan Diponegoro, Medan, on Friday (July 10, 2026).
"Last year, North Sumatra ranked fourth nationally by achieving a participation rate of approximately 22.56 percent. The target has been increased gradually, and this year we are aiming for 46 percent coverage," Hery said.
The provincial government considers the achievement an important foundation for expanding public access to healthcare services. By increasing the target, more residents are expected to identify their health conditions at an early stage, enabling medical professionals to provide timely treatment when necessary.
FOURTH-BEST NATIONAL PERFORMANCE: Hery Valona Bonatua Ambarita, Head of Public Health at the North Sumatra Provincial Health Office, said the Free Health Check Program achieved a participation rate of 22.56 percent in 2025, ranking North Sumatra fourth nationwide. The province is targeting 46 percent coverage in 2026. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Office).
Participation Continues to Increase
The Free Health Check Program has become one of the government's priority initiatives to strengthen public healthcare services. Since its launch in February 2025, participation has continued to grow steadily.
In 2025, the program reached 22.56 percent of
North Sumatra's population, placing the province fourth nationwide in the implementation of the
Free Health Check Program.
As of June 2026, the North Sumatra Provincial Health Office recorded that 3.2 million residents had already undergone health screenings through the program.
The service is now available at 619 community health centers (Puskesmas) located across all districts and municipalities in
North Sumatra. The provincial government continues to optimize primary healthcare facilities to ensure residents have easy access to quality medical services.
With support from hundreds of community health centers, the provincial administration remains confident it can achieve its target of covering 46 percent of the population, or approximately 7.3 million residents, by the end of 2026.
Government Strengthens Collaboration With Local Administrations
At the same time, the North Sumatra Provincial Government is intensifying coordination with district and municipal administrations to accelerate program implementation.
Governor
Bobby Nasution has emphasized the importance of the initiative and encouraged local governments to further expand free health check services according to the specific needs of communities in their respective regions.
Close cooperation between the provincial government, district and municipal governments, and healthcare providers is regarded as a key factor in continuously expanding the reach of the program.
Through this collaboration, residents are expected to enjoy easier access to healthcare services without barriers related to accessibility or information.
LATEST FREE HEALTH CHECK PROGRAM DATA: According to the North Sumatra Provincial Health Office, as of June 2026, approximately 3.2 million residents have utilized the Free Health Check Program through 619 community health centers (Puskesmas) across all districts and municipalities in the province. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Office).
Early Detection Helps Reduce Health Risks
The Free Health Check Program is designed to identify health risks at an early stage while systematically monitoring the health status of the population. Through these examinations, healthcare professionals can detect risk factors and potential illnesses early, allowing treatment to begin before conditions become more serious.
The
North Sumatra Provincial Government therefore encourages all residents to take advantage of the free health screening services available at every
Puskesmas.
"We hope the public will utilize this program to have their health conditions checked as early as possible," Hery said.
In addition to expanding the
Free Health Check Program, the provincial government continues to strengthen equal access to healthcare through the
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Program. The initiative forms part of the government's long-term commitment to ensuring that every resident of
North Sumatra has accessible, comprehensive, and sustainable healthcare services.
Through the Free Health Check Program and Universal Health Coverage, the North Sumatra Provincial Government aims to improve public health while strengthening disease prevention through regular health screenings. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Darmailawati | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala