EduAsiaNews, Jakarta — The Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta (FK UPNVJ) has strengthened pentahelix collaboration in the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as degenerative diseases, through public education, medical consultations, and health screening services. The program, entitled “Pentahelix Collaboration for the Prevention of Degenerative Diseases through Education, Consultation, Physical Examinations, Basic Laboratory Testing, and Ultrasound Screening for the Community,” was held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Pangkalan Jati Village Office in Cinere District, Depok City, West Java.
The initiative brought together representatives from academia, government, the private sector, community organizations, and the media to enhance public awareness of the importance of early disease detection. Through this collaborative effort, FK UPNVJ emphasized that preventing non-communicable diseases is not only essential for improving individual health but also plays a significant role in safeguarding the economic resilience of families.
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. dr. Taufiq Fredrik Pasiak, M.Kes., M.Pd.I., M.H., CIPA, stated that the program reflects the university’s contribution to supporting Indonesia’s national health development agenda. According to him, medical schools have both academic and social responsibilities to ensure that scientific knowledge delivers tangible benefits to society.
“This program reflects FK UPN ‘Veteran’ Jakarta’s commitment to improving the health of the Indonesian people as part of our contribution toward realizing the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045,” said Dr. Taufiq.
Non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus remain major public health concerns because they can lead to serious complications, including kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and various other chronic conditions. In addition to increasing the risks of disability and premature death, these diseases often impose a substantial financial burden on families due to the need for long-term medical treatment. Consequently, health education and routine medical examinations are essential strategies for reducing these risks through early detection and prevention.
As part of strengthening cross-sector collaboration, the program also featured the signing of a cooperation agreement involving six parties: Dr. dr. Taufiq Fredrik Pasiak, M.Kes., M.Pd.I., M.H., CIPA, Dean of FK UPNVJ; dr. Rien Pramindari, M.K.M., Head of the Mental Health Team at the Depok City Health Office; Danudi Amin, S.E., Head of Pangkalan Jati Village; Felix Ardhi, President Director of PT Dwimitra Mandiri Sampurno; Fuad Nuary, Chair of the Pangkalan Jati Youth Organization (Karang Taruna); and Firdaus Baderi, S.E., Editor-in-Chief of Harian NERACA.
The participation of these stakeholders demonstrates that preventing non-communicable diseases requires sustained, multi-sector collaboration. Higher education institutions contribute academic expertise and healthcare professionals; government agencies provide policy support and expand public access to healthcare services; the private sector helps ensure program sustainability; community organizations facilitate outreach to local residents; and the media play a vital role in disseminating public health education.
The educational sessions featured experts from FK UPNVJ, including Dr. dr. Maria Selvester Thadeus, M.Biomed., Sp.KKLP; apt. Wafa, S.Farm., M.Farm.; Herera Rahajeng, S.Si., M.Biomed.; and Apt. Ariska Deffy Anggarany, S.Farm., M.Farm. The speakers provided participants with comprehensive information on disease risk factors, preventive measures, the appropriate use of medications, and the importance of regular health check-ups.
During her presentation, Herera Rahajeng explained that non-communicable diseases are influenced not only by genetic predisposition but also by everyday lifestyle choices. Unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity, and inappropriate medication use can significantly increase the risk of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and other degenerative diseases.
“Therefore, even individuals without a family history of hypertension or diabetes may still develop these conditions if the associated risk factors are not properly managed,” Herera explained.
Approximately 70 residents of Pangkalan Jati Village participated in the program. In addition to receiving health education, participants were provided with free health screening services, including height and weight measurements, blood pressure and pulse examinations, blood glucose, cholesterol, and uric acid testing, abdominal ultrasound examinations, and individual medical consultations with healthcare professionals and faculty members from FK UPNVJ.
Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Partnerships of FK UPNVJ, dr. Erna Harfiani, M.Si., Sp.KKLP, stated that the program forms part of the faculty’s community engagement initiatives, with a particular emphasis on disease prevention through education and early detection. According to her, members of the public should develop the habit of undergoing regular health examinations so that potential health problems can be identified at an early stage.
“Through this program, we hope that the community will gain a greater understanding of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, undergoing regular medical check-ups, and recognizing the risk factors for non-communicable diseases at an early stage so that more serious complications can be prevented,” said Dr. Erna.
The 2026 Pentahelix Collaboration Program further reinforces FK UPNVJ’s position as a medical education institution committed not only to excellence in education and research but also to community service that delivers tangible societal impact. Through this collaborative approach, FK UPNVJ encourages communities to take a more active role in maintaining their health, reducing the risk of degenerative diseases, and preventing healthcare expenditures that may adversely affect family well-being.(www.upnvj.ac.id)
