The Indonesian government is committed to providing free healthcare services to the people throughout the Papua region. Various free healthcare service programs include eye exams, distribution of eyeglasses for students, and general health checkups for the public.
This service is provided thru cooperation between the local government and several partners, and is aimed at students and the general public in Nabire Regency.
The local government held eye education and examinations for 1,043 students from State Junior High School 1 and State Junior High School 4. A total of 487 pairs of glasses were distributed free of charge to students in need, which took place from August 5th to 8th, 2025.
The Head of the Nabire District Education Office, Dina Pidjer, expressed her appreciation, and this event was also part of the social service activities commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence, supported by PT. Freeport Indonesia, Nabire Regional General Hospital, the Indonesian Ophthalmologists Association (PERDAMI), and the Amungme and Kamoro Community Empowerment Foundation (YPMAK).
In addition to eye examinations for students, the local government is also preparing cataract surgery to be held from August 11th to 14th at Nabire Regional Hospital. The screening process has reached over 600 residents, with a target of 80 people undergoing surgery. “Children who may not have had their eyes checked before now have an opportunity from PTFI, so they can come directly to school for an eye exam,” said Dina Pidjer in her written statement.
Meanwhile, in Merauke Regency, the national Free Health Check program has been running since the beginning of August, targeting over 50,000 school children from elementary to high school levels.
The Head of the Merauke District Health Office, Dr. Nevile Muskita, stated that the program has been implemented in all community health centres. “We have already implemented it, and our colleagues at the community health centres have started working on it this August,” he said.
He said that CKG for the first year in Merauke targets 180,000 residents with a minimum achievement of 30-40 percent.
Maybe it will only increase in the following year. If school children can reach 100 percent, it seems possible. We have currently achieved 20 percent of the overall target,” explained Nevile.
Additionally, the implementation of eye examinations, distribution of glasses, and the CKG program are concrete evidence of the government’s presence in ensuring the basic right of the people of Papua to access healthcare services.
Support from various parties strengthens the reach of services, allowing benefits to be felt even in coastal and inland areas.
https://rri.co.id/kesehatan/1762206/komitmen-pemerintah-hadirkan-layanan-kesehatan-gratis-di-papua
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