Analysis Public Response to the Free Health Check-Up Policy

Abstract

The implementation of the Free Health Check Policy, which provides complimentary health screening services to all Indonesian citizens at community health centers (Puskesmas), was initiated to improve public access to healthcare services, increase awareness of the importance of regular health examinations, and encourage greater community participation in preventive health practices. The policy is implemented through the early detection of risk factors and pre-disease conditions by Puskesmas, enabling timely interventions to prevent the onset of diseases or to stop existing conditions from progressing to more severe stages, thereby making treatment more effective. This study aims to examine the extent to which the community in Makassar City, particularly those within the service area of Sudiang Community Health Center (Puskesmas Sudiang), has accessed this service and to identify the challenges encountered in implementing the policy. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through interviews, observations, documentation, and document analysis, followed by data interpretation and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that the program has not been adequately disseminated to the public. Since its launch in February 2025, the program has reached only 3% of the total target population within the service area of Puskesmas Sudiang, based on data obtained from the ASIK application dashboard as of May 17, 2026. The study reveals that this low level of participation is primarily attributable to insufficient public dissemination of the program, limited resources, and suboptimal support from healthcare personnel.