Efforts to improve public healthcare quality

The Hai Phong People’s Committee has issued Document No. 867/UBND-VX to implement Directive No. 17/CT-TTg dated May 6, 2026, issued by the Prime Minister on organizing periodic health check-ups or free screening examinations for citizens.

Under the plan, from 2026, the city aims to provide residents with at least one free periodic health check-up or screening examination per year and establish and manage electronic health records in accordance with regulations.

The move not only reflects the central government’s directive under Politburo Resolution No. 72 on strengthening public healthcare protection, care and improvement, but also reaffirms the city’s priority on public healthcare services.

Implementing and sustaining annual free health check-ups and screening programs for residents will require strong commitment, significant resources and thorough preparation, particularly within the grassroots healthcare system.

The city has identified periodic health check-ups and free screening examinations for residents as a key long-term task linked to socio-economic development goals, social welfare and improving residents’ quality of life.

Residents have welcomed the policy. As the country’s third-largest urban area, Hai Phong faces rapid urbanization, population growth, an aging population and increasingly complex epidemic risks, making periodic free health check-ups and screening programs increasingly necessary.

Together with electronic health records, the policy will help residents undergo disease screening and early detection of health risks, while enabling unified and interconnected health data management to support comprehensive and continuous healthcare throughout their lives.

The policy is also expected to promote healthcare equality by enabling residents, particularly disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, to access basic medical services and periodic healthcare.

The city will also step up efforts to mobilize support from authorities at all levels, socio-political and professional organizations, the business community, healthcare facilities, as well as domestic and foreign organizations and individuals to provide resources and coordinate implementation.

The project is expected to strengthen the overall capacity of the healthcare system, particularly preventive and grassroots healthcare. The city aims to equip all commune-level health stations to provide primary healthcare services and manage residents’ health through electronic health records.

The move is expected to lay the groundwork for the policy, which from 2026 will provide residents with at least one free periodic health check-up or screening examination each year.

Hai Phong News