In commemoration of World Hypertension Day, observed annually on May 17, LippoLand through PT Gowa Makassar Tourism Development Tbk (GMTD) once again demonstrated its commitment to public health through a blood donation drive and free health screening program held at the Main Hall of GTC Mall on Wednesday (May 13). The event was organized in collaboration with the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Makassar and K-24 Cendrawasih Pharmacy.
The program received strong public participation, with 170 people registering and 120 bags of blood successfully collected to help meet the blood supply needs of Makassar. In addition to donating blood, participants also received free health screenings, including blood sugar, cholesterol, and uric acid checks, as part of early detection efforts for various health risks, including hypertension.
The initiative is particularly relevant as hypertension remains one of Indonesia’s most significant public health challenges. According to data from Indonesia’s Ministry of Health, hypertension prevalence remains high nationwide and is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it frequently presents no symptoms in its early stages. If left undetected and untreated, it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
Chief Operating Officer LippoLand, Jemmy Andreas Persang, stated that the program forms part of the company’s ongoing efforts to raise public awareness about the importance of preventive healthcare.
“Through this blood donation and health screening program, LippoLand hopes to provide meaningful benefits to the community while encouraging greater awareness of health, particularly in preventing and detecting the risks of hypertension at an early stage,” he said.
Jemmy added that the inclusion of health screening services provides dual benefits. In addition to helping participants understand their current health conditions, the program also serves as a platform for direct education from healthcare professionals on healthy lifestyles and the importance of regular health check-ups.
Held every three months, the blood donation drive is part of the implementation of the Tangguh (Resilient) pillar under the Group’s sustainability framework, “Lippo Untuk Indonesia PASTI,” which focuses on creating sustainable social impact and strengthening community resilience.
The program involved not only employees but also tenants and employees of the GTC Mall area, residents of the Tanjung Bunga residential community, and members of the general public. The growing level of participation demonstrates how the initiative has evolved into a highly anticipated social program that delivers tangible benefits to the surrounding community.
Representatives from PMI Makassar also expressed appreciation for GMTD’s consistent support in helping meet the city’s blood supply needs. Regular corporate participation is considered instrumental in maintaining stable blood inventories, particularly amid increasing healthcare demands.
Through this initiative, GMTD once again reaffirmed its role as an integrated township developer that focuses not only on physical development but also on sustainable social development. The company’s continued commitment to community health programs forms part of its long-term effort to help create a healthier, more resilient, and higher-quality living environment for the people of Makassar and its surrounding areas.