Speaking at the subsequent launch ceremony, Vice Chairman of the TP HCM People's Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong emphasized that the campaign implements Politburo Resolution 72, which aims to improve public health. The city targets screening 100% of residents at least once in 2026, fostering a modern city with equitable healthcare access and healthy living.
Residents can visit their nearest health station for checks for common diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and cancer, enabling early detection and reduced treatment costs. A new feature of this initiative is the storage of all examination and test results in electronic health records. This allows individuals to monitor their health long-term, while the health sector gains a comprehensive "health picture" to better care for the community.
This campaign arises as TP HCM's healthcare system has faced continuous overload for many years, primarily due to its focus on treating patients only after illness onset. Associate Professor, Doctor Nguyen Anh Dung, Deputy Director of the TP HCM Department of Health, identified this as a strategic shift from passive treatment to proactive prevention. Medical teams will directly "go door-to-door" to identify high-risk groups.
"Early detection helps timely intervention, reduces treatment costs, and lessens the pressure on higher-level hospitals – an issue the city has not been able to resolve by merely expanding hospitals," a representative of the health sector stated.
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Residents receive medical examinations during the National Health Day program at Tan Nhon Phu ward health station, on 5/4. Photo: Quynh Tran |
Residents receive medical examinations during the National Health Day program at Tan Nhon Phu ward health station, on 5/4. Photo: Quynh Tran
On 5/4, 58 hospitals and medical centers in TP HCM had already deployed community health screening in 64 wards and communes, prioritizing areas far from the city center, in response to National Health Day. Among nearly 14,000 participating residents, doctors found over 63% had conditions needing monitoring and specialized treatment. TP HCM also pilots a model where doctors bring smart medical bags to residents' homes for examinations. Since 2023, the city has pioneered free periodic health checks nationwide for those aged 60 and older.
Le Phuong
