Health Minister BapakBudi Gunadi Sadikin announces the expansion of cancer detection facilities and services in community health centers (puskesmas) as part of efforts to lower cancer mortality rates.
The Indonesian Health Ministry, under the leadership of Health Minister Bapak Budi Gunadi Sadikin, continues its endeavour to equip community health centres (puskesmas) with comprehensive health service facilities, focusing on enhancing early cancer detection capabilities. This initiative, aimed at reducing cancer mortality rates, remains a top priority for the ministry.
In a statement released on 17 February 2024, Minister Sadikin emphasised the importance of early cancer detection, highlighting its correlation with higher recovery rates and reduced treatment costs. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that every puskesmas across the nation is equipped with the necessary facilities for cancer screening and detection.
Minister Sadikin outlined the targeted focus of early detection services, which primarily encompass four main types of cancer: breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer. These types of cancer, he noted, account for a significant portion of cancer cases in Indonesia, with varying prevalence among genders.
The minister detailed the medical devices deployed for early cancer detection, including the Linear Ultrasound Probe for breast cancer and the HPV DNA test for cervical cancer, known for its enhanced accuracy and ease of use compared to traditional screening methods like Pap smear. Additionally, facilities for lung cancer screening using Low Dose CT-Scan (LDCT) and colon cancer detection through colonoscopy are being introduced across puskesmas.
Minister Sadikin expressed optimism regarding the nationwide distribution of screening equipment to all puskesmas, aiming to make cancer detection services more accessible to communities in all 514 districts and cities. He stressed the significance of collaborative efforts with medical professionals and organizations to ensure the readiness of hospitals in providing comprehensive cancer care services.
Source: Antara News
