Indonesia Provides Easy, Affordable Early Cancer Detection at Public Health Centers
Translator
Editor
18 February 2024 15:23 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Health Ministry continues it's effort in completing health service facilities in the country and provides early detection for cancer which is easily accessible and afordable at every Public Health Centers (Puskesmas).
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin noted in a written statement on Saturday that this was part of a strategy to reduce the mortality rate from cancer.
"If cancer is detected early, the patient's recovery rate is greater, and the costs are cheaper," he remarked.
"We are preparing all puskesmas with this facility. Hopefully, all equipment can be distributed to 10,000 puskesmas in 514 districts and cities this year," he noted.
The minister remarked that early detection service is specifically for four main types of cancer, namely breast cancer and cervical cancer in women as well as lung cancer and colon cancer, the cases of which are mostly found in men.
The medical device is the Linear Ultrasound Probe for early detection of breast cancer and the HPV DNA test for cervical cancer with more accurate and easier use than the Pap smear, Sadikin stated.
In addition, early detection services for lung cancer and colon cancer would be provided, he remarked.
His side targets every puskesmas to be able to provide lung cancer screening services using Low Dose CT-Scan (LDCT) and colon cancer using colonoscopy. LDCT is able to detect small lesions or nodules in the lungs that may be an early sign of lung cancer.
"We will complete (the distribution) in stages in 514 districts and cities to bring CT-Scan in every puskesmas for the Low Dose CT-Scan procedure for early detection of lung cancer and colonoscopy for early detection of colon cancer," he remarked.
He expressed hope that this effort is in line with increased public awareness in carrying out screening and early detection examinations for cancer.
The ministry is also working with collegiums and professional organizations to ensure that all hospitals are ready to provide cancer services.
ANTARA
Editor's Choice: France's Macron Opens Door to Recognizing Palestinian State
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
