MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SIDOARJO — Indonesia’s Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, delivered a health lecture during the National Consolidation of the ‘Aisyiyah Health Council Batch 7 at Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo (Umsida) on Sunday (09/11).
In his address, the Minister expressed deep appreciation for Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah, which since their founding have made education and health the pillars of their religious and social service missions.
“What I am thinking about now was already envisioned by the founder of Muhammadiyah, Kiai Ahmad Dahlan, back in 1912. He understood that a strong nation is one that is healthy and intelligent. So if we fail to achieve the vision of Indonesia Emas (Golden Indonesia), it means we have failed to continue his legacy,” he stated.
Budi emphasized the importance of shifting the health paradigm from treating illness to maintaining public health. He noted that most of the national health budget is still allocated for curative hospital services, whereas the greater priority should be on promotive and preventive efforts.
“The Ministry of Health’s task is not just to manage hospitals, but to ensure that people stay healthy. Promotive and preventive programs must be strengthened. If the population is healthy, healthcare costs can be reduced and productivity will rise,” Budi explained. He also called on ‘Aisyiyah to expand community-based health clinics that focus on health education, early detection, and the prevention of non-communicable diseases.
“‘Aisyiyah clinics play an important role in educating people about healthy living. Routine check-ups, nutrition education, blood pressure control, and campaigns against excessive sugar and cholesterol must continue to be promoted,” he said.
The Minister further encouraged Muhammadiyah members and the wider public to lead by example in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He even suggested that this progressive islamic organization should serve as a national model for the healthy living movement.
“If our people are healthy and intelligent, Indonesia will be strong and advanced. Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah have shown the path for a long time,” He concluded. (Bintang Adrian)
