Non-communicable Disease Trend Increases in Indonesia: Minister

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The trend of non-communicable disease in Indonesia has increased based on the Public Health Development Index (IPKM) issued by the Research and Development Center of the Health Ministry. The negative growth of sub-index of non-communicable diseases in 2018 compared to 2013 has shown that the health levels of Indonesians have shown a decline every year, Health Minister Nila Moeloek said on Monday.

"This is a double burden. It means that if we do nothing, the data at the center has shown that non-communicable diseases will increase," Moeloek said after the launching of the IPKM.

Based on the index, none of the non-communicable disease sub-indexes in 34 provinces have shown a good rank. Although, in general, the national index has increased.

IPKM is the result of an assessment of 30 indicators categorized in seven sub-index for each province, such as toddlers' health, reproduction health, health-concerning behavior, health service, and environmental health.

Of those sub-indexes, only non-communicable disease has shown a worsening trend.

Non-communicable diseases could be prevented by adopting a healthier style by consuming balanced food, consuming more fruits and vegetables, exercising, and having routine medical checkups, Moeloek said.

"The IPKM has shown bad results in all provinces. It means that it has become a national problem, our problem. We will ask for provincial intervention surely," the minister said, adding that the government would also need the public to improve their lifestyle.

ANTARA