Helping the elderly access healthcare services more easily.

Through concrete and practical measures, localities in Hai Phong always prioritize healthcare, helping the elderly access medical services conveniently.

Thanh Dong Ward organized free health check-ups for the elderly.

Bringing healthcare closer to the elderly.

In recent times, programs offering free medical check-ups, health consultations, and medication for the elderly have been organized regularly and systematically in many localities. A common thread is the coordinated involvement of the health sector, local authorities, the Fatherland Front Committee, mass organizations, and local Elderly Associations.

During August, September, and October 2025, the Ninh Giang Health Center, in coordination with five communes (Tan An, Vinh Lai, Khuc Thua Du, Hong Chau, and Ninh Giang), organized free medical examinations and provided free medicine to tens of thousands of elderly people. Beyond its medical care value, the program also left many positive impressions on the elderly, creating a sense of security and joy for them and their families.

Ninh Giang Health Center conducts health check-ups for the elderly in Khuc Thua Du commune.

At the health check-up for the elderly in Khuc Thua Du commune, from reception and registration to examination and consultation, everything was done scientifically and efficiently. Arriving early at the commune's health station, Mr. Vu Duy Thap from Dong Hoi village (Khuc Thua Du commune) shared: "We were guided very carefully by the doctors, so we felt the thoughtful care and attention of the Party, the State, and the local authorities towards us."

To provide the best possible conditions for the elderly, local authorities proactively prepare examination sites, arrange facilities, strengthen communication and mobilization efforts, and provide transportation support for those with mobility difficulties. As a result, medical staff have more time for thorough examinations, detailed advice on nutrition, lifestyle, and the safe and rational use of medication.

According to a quick summary from the Ninh Giang Health Center's medical examinations, over 95% of the elderly examined suffered from chronic non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and eye diseases. On average, each elderly person had 2-3 diseases, and in some cases even 4-5 diseases, with over 60% in poor or very poor health.

Dr. Nguyen Ton Manh from Ninh Giang Medical Center said: "Based on the examination results, doctors and medical staff provide specific advice for each case, especially on proper medication use, diet, lifestyle, and rest so that the elderly can take care of themselves, improve their health, and live longer."

Hong Bang Ward is also a shining example in caring for the health of the elderly. Primary healthcare, especially regular health check-ups for the elderly, is always prioritized by the local authorities and included in their annual plans. In 2025, the Hong Bang Health Center, in coordination with neighborhood groups, will review, compile a list, and classify the elderly into age groups: 60-69, 70-79, and 80 years and older. Based on this, the health station will develop a suitable examination schedule, prioritizing the elderly who are eligible for social welfare policies, support social assistance, those from poor and near-poor households, lonely individuals, and those aged 80 and above.

In 2025, the ward organized periodic health check-ups for over 7,500 elderly people, of which nearly 1,400 received free examinations and medication. Mr. Tran Tien Son, Chairman of the Elderly Association of Hong Bang Ward, said: “In recent years, the care of the elderly has received special attention from all levels, sectors, and localities. Organizing periodic health check-ups brings joy and peace of mind to the elderly.”

Besides medical care, many meaningful gifts were also presented to exemplary elderly people and those in difficult circumstances. Mr. Nguyen Van Thang, from Hong Bang ward, shared: “Today's elderly people enjoy many excellent policies such as free medical check-ups, sightseeing, and community activities. The elderly always maintain an optimistic spirit, contributing to building a better society.”

Sustainable healthcare

According to United Nations data, Vietnam is one of the countries with the fastest aging population in the world . In less than 20 years, the population aged over 65 could account for up to 20% of the total population. Specifically, in 2024, the number of people aged 60 and over will be 14.2 million (an increase of 2.8 million compared to 2019). It is projected that by 2029, the number of people aged 60 and over will reach approximately 17.3 million (accounting for 16.5% of the total population, an increase of nearly 4 million compared to 2024). By 2039, the population aged 60 and over will reach approximately 22.8 million (accounting for 20.6%).

The leaders of Khuc Thua Du commune presented free medicine to elderly people in the commune.

In the context of a rapidly aging population, healthcare for the elderly has become a key, long-term priority. Recognizing this, the Department of Health issued a plan for regular healthcare for the elderly throughout the city at the beginning of the year, ensuring that everyone aged 60 and above has access to basic medical services.

Dr. Vu Duc Binh, Deputy Head of the City's Population and Children Department, said that in the coming time, local Party committees and authorities will continue to strengthen their leadership and guidance roles, promote communication about the benefits of regular health check-ups; disseminate knowledge on nutrition and disease prevention for the elderly and their caregivers. Funding and equipment for grassroots healthcare need to be invested in and supplemented to expand the number of beneficiaries and enhance paraclinical services, aiming to improve the effectiveness of screening for non-communicable diseases.

Free medical check-ups, consultations, and medication programs not only help detect diseases early but also contribute to caring for the mental well-being of the elderly, creating motivation for them to continue living happily and healthily, and making positive contributions to their families and communities.

Hai Phong currently has approximately 852,000 elderly people, accounting for 20.34% of the population. Of these, over 74% receive health counseling, management, and care at home and in the community; nearly 65% ​​have at least one annual health check-up; nearly 97% have health insurance cards; and 56% have health records.

MINH HUY

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/giup-nguoi-gia-tiep-can-dich-vu-y-te-thuan-loi-532510.html