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| Blood samples are being taken for health checks for residents at the Phu Vang Medical Center. |
The directive aims for citizens to receive at least one free health check-up or screening per year starting in 2026, and to have electronic health records created and managed. This is considered a crucial step in shifting from treatment to prevention, early detection of risk factors, and contributing to improving the quality of community healthcare.
Suitable for each target group
According to the Ministry of Health 's guidelines, the content of routine health check-ups is designed to suit each age group and target audience. Children under 6 years old follow separate professional guidelines; those aged 6 to under 18 receive physical examinations, clinical examinations, and necessary tests. For individuals 18 years and older, the examination includes basic specialties along with tests and diagnostic imaging to detect early risk factors and potential diseases.
According to Associate Professor Dr. Tran Kiem Hao, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Hue City Department of Health, the policy of providing free periodic health check-ups not only signifies basic healthcare but also aims at early detection of diseases, reducing the burden of treatment for the people and the healthcare system.
Many residents also expressed their support for this policy. Ms. Tran Thi Hanh from Thuan Hoa ward said: “Free periodic health check-ups are a very practical policy, helping people to monitor their health more regularly. Many people previously rarely went for check-ups due to economic conditions or neglecting their health. We hope that the implementation will be carried out smoothly in our locality so that people can easily access the service.”
Strengthening the primary healthcare system.
In Hue City, the health sector recognizes this as both an opportunity and a challenge for the local healthcare system. Given the large population and the increasing demand for healthcare, the comprehensive implementation of the periodic health check-up policy requires thorough preparation in terms of human resources, equipment, and healthcare infrastructure.
Currently, many health centers in the area are experiencing localized overcrowding, especially during peak hours. Phu Vang Health Center is a prime example, receiving between 700 and 1,000 patient visits daily, with a consistently high number of inpatient beds (around 300). If it were to take on the additional task of conducting large-scale routine health checkups for the population, the pressure on its medical staff would increase even further.
Dr. Nguyen Minh Hung, Director of Phu Vang Health Center, said that the policy of regular health check-ups is the right direction, helping people in rural areas access medical services more easily, thereby detecting diseases early and reducing treatment costs in the late stages. However, to implement it effectively, more investment in specialized medical equipment is needed, along with supplementing human resources for frontline medical facilities.
According to Dr. Hung, many commune and ward health stations still lack basic equipment, leading people to seek treatment at higher-level health centers or hospitals. This not only causes overcrowding but also diminishes the role of primary healthcare at the grassroots level. Therefore, upgrading infrastructure and increasing equipment for health stations is an urgent requirement to achieve the goal of being "close to the people and serving the people."
Associate Professor Dr. Tran Kiem Hao stated that the city's health sector is focusing on various solutions to strengthen the grassroots healthcare system, considering it the foundation for effectively implementing the policy of universal periodic health check-ups. Accordingly, the Department of Health has issued a document requesting localities to review the investment needs for building and upgrading health stations; increase support for doctors at the grassroots level; and direct health centers to ensure an uninterrupted supply of medicines for initial examination and treatment.
In addition, the health sector will continue to promote training and technology transfer for grassroots healthcare workers; implement the family doctor model; and strengthen the application of information technology in managing electronic health records and connecting data between commune-level and higher-level hospitals.
According to the leaders of the Hue City Department of Health, the city is developing a plan to implement free periodic health check-ups and screenings for residents from 2026 to 2030. When the plan is implemented comprehensively, each citizen will have their own health record at the grassroots level, thereby contributing to reducing the burden on higher-level hospitals, improving the effectiveness of community health care, and aiming towards building a fair, modern, and people-centered healthcare system.
Source: https://huengaynay.vn/y-te-suc-khoe/de-kham-suc-khoe-toan-dan-hieu-qua-166819.html
