The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee (UBND) recently issued a plan for periodic health check-ups and screenings for residents in the 2026-2030 period. The program aims for comprehensive healthcare, focusing on disease prevention and early detection. This initiative seeks to reduce the burden of treatment costs and gradually build a modern health management system.

Starting in 2026, the city government will prioritize implementing the program for vulnerable groups and the core workforce. This list includes children under 24 months old, students from preschool to high school, and individuals from two years old to under 18 years old who are not attending school. Additionally, it covers employees working under contracts, probationary periods, or apprenticeships, along with cadres, civil servants, armed forces personnel, individuals 60 years old and above, and social welfare groups.

Lay mau xet nghiem trong chuong trinh kham suc khoe mien phi cho nguoi cao tuoi tai TP HCM. Anh: So Y te TP HCM

In the 2027-2030 period, the health sector will continue to care for the aforementioned groups and gradually expand the program's scope. The city will add university students, vocational training students, freelance workers, small traders, farmers, fishermen, and homemakers to the list of beneficiaries.

Authorities aim for 100% of the city's residents to participate in medical check-ups or disease screenings at least once every year by 2030. Healthcare facilities will directly update results into the electronic health records system.

For locations, the Department of Health will designate eligible hospitals, polyclinics, and health stations to provide services. Authorities prioritize organizing check-ups at residents' initial medical examination and treatment registration points or setting up safe mobile points when necessary. Businesses and schools are responsible for selecting locations and signing contracts with healthcare facilities for their employees and students. Other community groups can proactively choose the most convenient location for their health assessments. The state budget, health insurance fund, and legal funding sources will cover implementation costs. For employees, businesses are obligated to pay costs according to legal regulations.

Previously, Ho Chi Minh City launched free health check-ups for all elderly residents (regardless of permanent or temporary residency) in early 2024, following a pilot program in some wards in late 2023. Nationwide, the Ministry of Health recently proposed implementing free periodic health check-ups or screenings from 2026, prioritizing disadvantaged groups before expanding to all citizens. This proposal is part of the draft Decree detailing and guiding the implementation of certain articles of the Law on Disease Prevention, which is currently open for public comment. This initiative materializes Politburo's Resolution 72, aiming for all citizens to receive free periodic health check-ups and moving towards basic hospital fee exemption by 2030.

Le Phuong