Prevent Stroke and Heart Attack, Wamenkes Visits Cigarette Factory in Bantul

Deputy Minister of Health Benjamin Paulus Octavianus and President Director of PT HM Sampoerna Tbk Ivan Cahyadi (ANTARA/Hery Sidik)

BANTUL - Deputy Minister of Health Benjamin Paulus Octavianus reviewed the implementation of free health checks (CKG) and community-based tuberculosis (TB) screening for employees of the PT Yogyakarta Tobacco Indonesia (MPS) cigarette rolling service factory, a subsidiary of PT HM Sampoerna Tbk, in Bantul Regency, Friday, January 30.

On that occasion, Benjamin said President Prabowo Subianto had eight Best Quick Results Programs (PHTC) outside the routine government programs, two of which were in the health sector, namely Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) and Free Health Check (CKG).

"And this is CKG and the eradication of TB that we are doing here today. This examination is important because diseases such as hypertension and diabetes often have no symptoms, but in three to five years it can damage blood vessels if not controlled," said Benjamin at the location quoted from Antara.

He explained that the CKG package implemented includes weighing body weight, blood pressure and blood sugar tests, TB screening, doctor consultation, and provision of sputum rooms for employees who are suspected of having TB.

According to Benjamin, this examination aims to prevent serious diseases such as stroke, kidney failure leading to dialysis, and heart attacks at productive age.

"Don't let people in their productive years suffer from heart attacks or strokes. If they are sick, they can't work and can't support their families. That's why the examination is done directly at the workplace," he said.

Through CKG and TB screening for about 1,300 employees, the government hopes that early detection can be carried out. If dozens of employees are found with high blood pressure or blood sugar, further examinations can be immediately carried out by the company's doctor.

"The hope is that they will be routinely checked, for example, every week to check blood sugar, so that they can work until retirement in a healthy condition and avoid strokes, dialysis, hypertension, and heart attacks," said Benjamin.

He added, through TB screening, employees who experience symptoms such as coughing for more than two weeks can immediately be referred to the health center for further examination.

"Our goal in coming here is also to explain the state program to companies. The big target is for Indonesian workers to remain healthy and productive," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the DIY Health Office, Gregorius Anung Trihadi, said his party continued to expand the reach of CKG and TB eradication by targeting communities, including company environments.

"Not only in health centers and schools, but we need to expand to communities, one of which is companies like today's activities," he said.

President Director of PT HM Sampoerna Tbk Ivan Cahyadi appreciated the visit of the Minister of Health and the implementation of CKG in the company environment. According to him, this activity also increases employee understanding of the importance of TB prevention.

He said similar health checks would continue in other company ecosystems, which include 43 factories in 28 districts on the island of Java.