Jakarta. State health insurer BPJS Kesehatan will require its participants to undergo a health screening test, starting this month or in October.

The screening is mandatory for those who wish to access primary healthcare facilities, community health centers (Puskesmas), clinics, and independent doctors’ practices. The new policy is part of early detection efforts.

Participants of the national health insurance JKN can have their health screened at any time, even when not receiving treatment. 

They simply need to fill in a short questionnaire regarding their medical history and that of their family members, as well as their lifestyle. The questionnaire is available on the JKN mobile app, the BPJS Kesehatan’s website, the WhatsApp service (Pandawa), or directly with assistance from the clinic staff. JKN Mobile App users will also receive a notification to complete the screening. They can also check out the health history screening feature on the app.

"A culture of prevention must be the foundation of the JKN program. With screening, participants don't just wait to get sick, but have the opportunity to identify potential diseases early, allowing for early intervention," BPJS Kesehatan’s spokesperson Rizzky was quoted as saying in a press statement on Friday.

"Screenings mean faster access to services, a better understanding of the [JKN] participants’ health conditions, and the possibility of preventing disease risks early,” Rizzky said.

According to Rizzky, the screenings can help doctors easily identify the diseases. This way, they can provide the right medical treatment while also reducing risks of complications.

The tests provide information on the risks for various diseases, including Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, stroke, ischemic heart disease, cervical cancer, breast cancer, anemia in adolescent girls, tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, hepatitis B and C, thalassemia, and colon cancer. The results can also encourage people to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Data showed that over 45 million JKN participants had undergone health screening in 2024. BPJS Kesehatan encourages people to have their health checked once a year. The agency is pushing healthcare providers to increase the number of screening services. 

BPJS Kesehatan hopes that the mandatory annual screening can lead to a JKN program ecosystem that is promotive and preventive, according to Rizzky.