On 16/9, health minister Dao Hong Lan addressed questions regarding Resolution 72, issued by the Politburo on 9/9. This resolution outlines groundbreaking solutions for public health protection, care, and improvement. A key provision of the resolution includes free annual health check-ups starting in 2026 and basic healthcare coverage under health insurance by 2030.
The Ministry of Health is developing a phased implementation plan for the resolution, based on the foundation of health insurance.
"The resolution doesn't aim for completely free healthcare," Minister Lan explained. "It aims to minimize out-of-pocket expenses, increase health insurance coverage, reduce deaths caused by late diagnosis, and build an equitable, efficient, and sustainable healthcare system, leaving no one behind." The ultimate goal, she added, is to ensure everyone, regardless of location or economic status, has access to essential healthcare services without financial worries.
The State and the Health Insurance Fund will cover basic, essential medical costs, significantly reducing the financial burden on citizens. This policy will initially prioritize social policy beneficiaries, vulnerable groups, low-income individuals, and other priority groups. For non-essential or premium medical services, patients will still bear some costs to promote responsible service utilization and cost savings. Certain preventive services, chronic disease management, routine check-ups, and screening at the primary care level will also be covered by the state budget and the Health Insurance Fund.
According to Minister Lan, the free healthcare policy must be closely linked to universal health insurance coverage. Universal participation in health insurance enables risk-sharing, where those with greater means support those in need. State budget support will further reduce patient expenses.
Regarding benefits, citizens will receive free annual health check-ups or screenings. Starting in 2026, electronic health records will be established, managing health conditions throughout a person's life, from prenatal care to old age. By 2030, basic medical expenses within the scope of health insurance benefits will be covered in phases.
The Ministry of Health has not yet specified what constitutes "basic coverage".
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Health Minister Dao Hong Lan. Photo: Ngoc Thanh |
Health Minister Dao Hong Lan. Photo: Ngoc Thanh
To expedite the implementation of Resolution 72 and ensure citizens benefit from these social security policies, Minister Lan emphasized the need for a robust legal framework. A key focus is drafting a resolution for submission to the National Assembly during its October session to codify some of the guidelines and policies of Resolution 72.
Minister Lan acknowledged, "The Ministry of Health cannot achieve this alone. It requires the involvement of the entire political system, ministries, sectors, localities, and the public." The Ministry of Health will coordinate the implementation of comprehensive and timely solutions to avoid the scenario of "good policies, weak implementation."
"Goals like increasing life expectancy, reducing healthcare costs, and expanding universal health insurance are not just numbers in a resolution," Minister Lan stated. "They will become tangible realities in daily life, enabling people to live longer, healthier lives."
Le Nga
