Free Annual Health Check-ups to Roll Out Across vietnam
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Starting this year, everyone will be able to receive free regular health check-ups at least onc a year. – Photo: Xuan Mai
The policy of providing free health checkups and screenings to citizens at least once a year starting in 2026 is expected to contribute to achieving the goals of early and remote prevention of diseases, alleviating the burden on the medical system, and improving the quality of people’s lives.
For many years, regular health check-ups have been recognized as a fundamental solution for disease prevention, early detection and reduction of treatment costs. But in reality, these activities are fragmented and largely dependent on economic circumstances, occupation, and health insurance coverage.
The Burden of Disease is Very High
Unlike infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are placing an increasing burden on people’s health.
Hanoi has implemented a complete national plan for non-communicable disease prevention and control from 2021 to 2025. Even though significant progress has been made, the burden of non-communicable diseases remains very high.
Rates of overweight and obesity, especially among adolescents, continue to increase, increasing the risk of developing chronic diseases at an early age.
Moreover, although the number of patients with diabetes and pre-diabetes is increasing, early detection rates remain low. in the health sector, people’s knowledge and practice of prevention are still lacking, and many people only seek medical care after complications have already occurred.
In contrast, Ho chi Minh City is experiencing an increasing disease burden, especially non-communicable diseases. From 2025, people aged 60 and older in Ho Chi Minh City will be able to receive free health check-ups to prevent disease outbreaks.
According to a report by the Ho Chi Minh City Health Department, the results of a general health examination conducted on about 208,000 elderly people showed that 63.6% (131,902 people) suffered from high blood pressure,and 26.2% had diabetes or were suspected of having diabetes.
In particular, Ho Chi Minh City newly discovered 31,238 (15%) patients with high blood pressure and 18,600 (8.9%) patients with suspected diabetes through screening activities. These are all people who have not previously been diagnosed, providing an vital foundation for inclusion in long-term management, monitoring and treatment programs.
Thien Thuy, 62, from Ho Chi Minh City, who suffers from severe sleep problems and osteoarthritis, said regular hospital check-ups are essential. According to Mr Thuy, in these difficult economic times, not many people can afford the cost of regular health check-ups.
According to a report from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the proportion of workers receiving regular health checkups increased by about 10-15% from 2021 to 2024, and about 70% of elderly people received health checkups more than once a year.
As school health services and student health care become increasingly systematic, the number of accidents and injuries has decreased and working environments have become safer.
Capacity to manage and treat non-communicable diseases at the local level has also improved substantially,with the proportion of local health centers participating in management and treatment increasing from 67.1% in 2012 to 85.7% in 2022.
But the reality is that regular health checks are still mainly focused on contract workers, civil servants and students. Many people, including self-employed people, farmers, fishermen, and housewives, have limited access to regular checkups, especially for early detection.
The government is moving forward with the implementation of its 2026 budget, prioritizing support for vulnerable populations even as full budget utilization is anticipated to occur beyond 2026. The roadmap focuses on providing assistance to vulnerable groups,children,the elderly,individuals with disabilities,and ethnic minorities. those covered by health insurance will be able to access support for medical expenses through the existing health insurance fund.
Targeted Support for Vulnerable Groups
The 2026 budget implementation prioritizes several key demographics.This targeted approach aims to address specific needs and reduce inequalities within society. These groups include:
- Vulnerable Groups: This encompasses individuals facing economic hardship, homelessness, or other challenging circumstances.
- Children: Support will likely focus on education,healthcare,and child welfare programs.
- The Elderly: Programs aimed at providing financial security, healthcare access, and social support for senior citizens will be prioritized.
- Individuals with Disabilities: The budget will support initiatives promoting accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
- Ethnic Minorities: Resources will be allocated to address systemic barriers and promote equity for ethnic minority communities.
Health Insurance Support for Medical Expenses
A key component of the budget implementation is ensuring access to healthcare. Individuals enrolled in health insurance programs will be able to utilize their coverage to offset medical expenses. This support is provided through the existing Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) framework, ensuring a streamlined process for accessing funds. The specific details of coverage and eligibility will be steadfast by individual health insurance plans,but the government commitment is to facilitate access to necessary medical care.
Ensuring Budget Sustainability
The government recognizes the importance of long-term financial stability. To ensure the sustainability of these programs, a flexible approach to resource mobilization will be employed. this includes exploring various funding sources and optimizing resource allocation to maximize impact. This commitment to fiscal responsibility will help guarantee the continued availability of support for vulnerable populations in the years to come.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 budget implementation prioritizes support for vulnerable groups.
- Health insurance card holders will receive support for medical expenses.
- The government is committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of these programs through flexible resource mobilization.
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