The Ministry of Health is currently seeking feedback on a draft circular that details the Law on Disease Prevention, with regulations expected to be issued this year. Moving beyond solely treating patients who have already developed illnesses, the health sector aims to expand its monitoring system to high-risk groups to facilitate early detection and prevention of mental health issues.

A patient receiving treatment at the Institute of Mental Health. Photo: Le Nga

In addition to the high-pressure group, the Ministry of Health requires monitoring of individuals with physiological, psychological, and social risk factors. Specifically, health workers will monitor those with family members suffering from mental illness, individuals with a history of traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular accident, or chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. Groups undergoing significant physiological changes, including adolescence, postpartum women, perimenopause, and old age, are also on the list. From a psychological perspective, the regulatory body includes individuals experiencing prolonged stress due to loss of loved ones, divorce, unemployment, domestic violence, or disaster as requiring monitoring. Health experts also propose monitoring individuals with overly perfectionist or insecure personalities, those prone to anxiety, or who have previously had suicidal ideation.

To implement this regulation, the health system will collect data on personal information, occupation, and place of residence, along with signs of impaired learning, work, communication abilities, or prolonged emotional disturbances. This activity will help doctors identify risks in the community early, enabling timely support solutions and limiting the progression or recurrence of severe illness.

Ministry of Health data indicates that the prevalence of mental disorders in Vietnam affects nearly 15% of the population, meaning one in seven Vietnamese people suffer from a mental illness, with most not receiving treatment. Mental health among young people is a particular concern. The 2022 National Adolescent Mental Health Survey recorded that 21,7% of adolescents reported mental health issues. Conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, or dementia not only erode physical health but also impose an economic burden on families and diminish resources for social development.

Addressing the shortage of specialized personnel, the Ministry of Health is developing two projects to enhance the capacity of the healthcare and forensic assessment systems for the 2023-2030 period. The health sector plans to increase hospital beds, strengthen human resources, and upgrade facilities. The regulatory body aims to provide periodic screening for at least 40% of the population by 2025, increasing to 60% by 2030, while also implementing early intervention for half of at-risk children and adolescents.

Le Nga