Hanoi's Department of Health has launched its 2026 public healthcare plan, providing free screenings for 12 common diseases and risk factors across the city. This initiative aims for early detection and timely intervention, ultimately reducing disease burden and improving residents' quality of life.

According to an official dispatch sent by the Department of Health to localities on 10/6, the screening program focuses on 12 common diseases and risk factors, including: hypertension, type 2 diabetes, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), breast cancer, cervical cancer, oral cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and alcohol-related mental disorders.

The screening plan is implemented by age group and risk factor to detect diseases early in the community. Specifically: women aged 30 to 49 will be screened for cervical cancer; women aged 40 to 70 will receive breast cancer screenings. Men over 45 will undergo early detection screenings for oral cancer, while those aged 50 to 69 will be screened for prostate cancer.

Individuals aged 50 and older will be screened for colorectal cancer. Those aged 40 and older will be assessed for the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Individuals aged 45 and older will be screened for diabetes. Notably, all residents aged 18 and older will be assessed for the risk of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or alcohol-related disorders.

A representative from the Hanoi Department of Health stated that the free screening program's goal is to identify common non-communicable diseases, cancers, and mental disorders early. This enables prompt intervention to mitigate complications, enhance quality of life, and lessen the burden of disease on the community.

Residents measure blood pressure at Bach Mai Hospital. Photo: Le Nga

Hanoi is the second locality nationwide to offer free health check-ups and common disease screenings. This follows Ho Chi Minh City (TP HCM), which, from mid-April, began offering free health screenings and electronic health record creation for residents aged 18 and older. TP HCM's plan is being progressively implemented across various areas until the end of this year.

In a related development, the Hanoi People's Council recently approved a policy to subsidize the cost of treating myopia of 3 diopters or more for young people. Starting in early July, the city will support refractive error treatment costs for individuals aged 18 to 35 with myopia of 3 diopters or more. This policy applies to those with permanent or temporary residency of at least 12 months in the capital, with payments based on service fees set by public healthcare facilities.

Nationwide, the Ministry of Health has proposed implementing free regular health check-ups or screenings starting in 2026. This initiative would first prioritize vulnerable groups before expanding to the general population. The proposal is part of a draft Decree detailing and guiding the implementation of specific articles of the Law on Disease Prevention, currently open for public comment. This action aligns with Resolution 72 of the Politburo, which aims for free regular health check-ups for all citizens and basic hospital fee exemption by 2030.

Le Nga