On 25/5, Tang Chi Thuong, director of the HCMC Department of Health, announced the initial implementation in 9 areas: An Nhon Tay, Ba Diem, Hiep Phuoc, Tan Nhut, Thanh An, Bac Tan Uyen, Dat Do, Ho Tram communes, and Con Dao special zone. Residents in these areas will receive free health check-ups from 22/5 to the end of 6.

Priority groups for these check-ups include children under 18 years old who have not had a health check in the 2025-2026 school year, informal workers, and the elderly. These groups often have limited access to regular health screenings or face a higher risk of illness.

Adults aged 18 and older will receive a general examination, including blood pressure measurement, basic specialist consultations, and essential tests such as blood tests, urine tests, an electrocardiogram, and chest X-rays. The purpose of adult screenings is to detect chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or other underlying health issues early. Children will undergo nutritional and physical development assessments, eye exams to detect refractive errors, dental and ear, nose, and throat examinations, mental health screenings, and school health counseling.

This round of check-ups involves doctors from 15 hospitals and regional medical centers, including several central and city-level hospitals such as Thong Nhat Hospital, HCMC Central Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology, Nguyen Trai Hospital, An Binh Hospital, Tu Du Hospital (facility 2), Nhi Dong Thanh Pho Hospital, and Binh Duong General Hospital. This medical team enhances local examination capacity, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances.

Residents receive medical examinations during the all-people health day program at Tan Nhon Phu ward health station, 5/4. Photo: Quynh Tran

In hard-to-reach areas such as island communes, suburban regions, or special zones, the health sector organizes mobile medical teams to ensure easier access for residents. After the examination, residents' health results are updated to an electronic health management system, which is linked to their health records on the VNeID application. This provides residents with long-term health data and convenient access for future medical consultations.

According to Mr. Thuong, the program marks a shift from a "treatment" mindset to "proactive healthcare," laying the foundation for the city to gradually build a modern, people-centric public health management model. The results of the implementation in these 9 initial communes and special zones will provide practical insights for expanding the program on a larger scale in the future.

In recent times, the city has initiated free general health check-ups for residents aged 18 and older, conducted at ward health stations.

Le Phuong