diff --git a/.github/workflows/cd.yml b/.github/workflows/cd.yml
index 14dad5d..0188f13 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/cd.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/cd.yml
@@ -12,6 +12,18 @@ jobs:
       - name: Checkout code
         uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
+      - name: Set up JDK 17
+        uses: actions/setup-java@v4
+        with:
+          java-version: 17
+          distribution: temurin
+
+      - name: Grant permission to Gradle wrapper
+        run: chmod +x ./backend/gradlew
+
+      - name: Build JAR with Gradle
+        run: ./backend/gradlew build -x test --no-daemon
+
       - name: Set up Docker Buildx
         uses: docker/setup-buildx-action@v3
 
diff --git a/backend/src/main/java/com/focussu/backend/test/TestController.java b/backend/src/main/java/com/focussu/backend/test/TestController.java
index bca8018..111838c 100644
--- a/backend/src/main/java/com/focussu/backend/test/TestController.java
+++ b/backend/src/main/java/com/focussu/backend/test/TestController.java
@@ -61,6 +61,6 @@ public ResponseEntity<Map<String, String>> checkSecurity() {
             )
     })
     public ResponseEntity<Map<String, String>> checkHealth() {
-        return ResponseEntity.ok(Map.of("message", "SERVER IS HEALTHY"));
+        return ResponseEntity.ok(Map.of("message", "SERVER IS HEALTHY!"));
     }
 }