Jakarta, Jan. 15 -- The Indonesian government has added leprosy screening to its Free Health Check (CKG) program this year as part of efforts to accelerate the elimination of the disease.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said on Thursday that the inclusion marks a key adjustment to the program, which previously did not cover leprosy screening.

"Previously, there was no leprosy screening. Now, we will include it starting this year," he said at a press briefing.

Although leprosy is not easily transmitted, Sadikin said the Health Ministry remains committed to detecting as many cases as possible and ensuring timely treatment.

Indonesia currently records between 13,000 and 15,000 leprosy cases, though the actual number may be higher due...