Minister Of Health Relys On Health Centers For Early Detection And Handling Symptoms Of Diabetes

Illustration of regular blood sugar checks (Pexels)

Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized the importance of puskesmas in Indonesia to play a role in tackling diabetes. Health centers are expected to provide insulin for diabetics to increase early detection and treatment of diabetes.

Minister of Health Budi explained that currently his party is reviewing and conducting research related to the readiness of the puskesmas to provide insulin to diabetics.

"We are conducting studies and research. Because diabetes is handled early on, it is much cheaper and much faster to recover," said the Minister of Health in commemoration of World Diabetes Day at Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) Jakarta, quoted from ANTARA, Sunday, November 24.

According to the Minister of Health, treatment of diabetes from an early age is much cheaper and more effective than handling it at an advanced stage, which can cause serious complications, such as Diabetic Ketoacidosis (KAD).

"This kad occurs in 70 percent of patients who are late in handling and if it is in that condition the risk of death is much greater. Therefore early detection is very important," said the Minister of Health.

On this occasion, Minister of Health Budi highlighted the importance of the involvement of puskesmas in handling diabetes. Hospitals that are the guardians are asked to be involved in preparing human facilities and resources at the puskesmas.

"RSCMkan as a diabetic guardian, please don't just manage the hospital, it has to reach the puskesmas," said the Minister of Health.

In addition, Minister of Health Budi stated that the national diabetes early detection program will start next year. The Puskesmas selected for this program will be a pilot project.

If successful, insulin will be distributed for handling diabetes. According to him, insulin distribution, which requires special storage facilities and training for medical personnel, is a challenge in itself.

"I ask the experts here, please lower their competence. How can the general practitioners there (puskesmas) detect correctly, and can manage properly," said Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin.

Minister of Health Budi hopes that with this step, diabetics in Indonesia can get more timely treatment, and improve their quality of life, by reducing the death rate caused by late treatment of diabetes complications.