Medical examinations at the commune level enable timely detection of serious illnesses.

Without needing to go to provincial or central hospitals, many people have had dangerous medical conditions detected right at their commune health stations during routine health checkups.

In the healthcare system, commune and ward health stations are the closest to the people and directly manage community health. Regular health check-ups for the entire population at these stations go beyond simply measuring blood pressure, weight, or checking for common illnesses. They also help screen for and detect many dangerous diseases early, thereby contributing to reducing the burden on provincial and central-level healthcare facilities.

Primary healthcare, being the closest to the people, is gradually asserting its role as the frontline in community health management, contributing to reducing the burden on higher-level facilities and improving treatment effectiveness.

In Ha Bac commune ( Hai Phong ), the health station is considered a health lifeline for thousands of people. Every month, hundreds of elderly people, those with chronic diseases, or other residents come for regular check-ups and to get medicine.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Sanh, Head of the Ha Bac Commune Health Station, through these check-ups, health workers can detect potential health problems that people have never realized before.

In fact, there have been many cases where serious illnesses were detected thanks to routine health checkups at the health station, and patients were referred for timely treatment.

For example, Mr. Doan Van Tay (born in 1985, Dong village, Ha Bac commune) was found to have suspected pulmonary tuberculosis during a routine health check-up.

Thanks to the early transfer to the hospital, he received timely diagnosis and treatment, avoiding serious complications.

For example, Mrs. Vu Thi Co (born in 1956, Hai Yen village, Ha Bac commune), during a routine health check-up, was found to have abnormal heart symptoms and was subsequently referred to a provincial hospital, where she was diagnosed with tricuspid valve regurgitation and given an appropriate treatment plan.

Such specific cases demonstrate the capacity of commune health stations in screening and early detection of diseases as a crucial link in community health care.

In addition to routine check-ups, the health station also manages chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic bronchitis, etc. Patients are profiled, closely monitored, given monthly medication, and receive advice on nutrition and exercise.

According to Ms. Sanh, the health station regularly compiles lists and health records for all residents. Each year, elderly people receive one to two check-ups. This helps to promptly monitor their health status and advise on lifestyle changes to prevent diseases.

Regular health check-ups at commune health stations not only bring direct benefits to the people but also play an important role in reducing treatment costs, easing the burden on higher-level hospitals, and creating peace of mind and trust for the community.

However, for the nationwide health check-up program to be effective, many health centers still need further investment in diagnostic equipment, personnel, and health data management technology.

In Minh Chau commune, Hanoi, Dr. Le Thi Loc, head of the health station, shared that previously, the station only conducted individual routine check-ups for specific groups such as students, women, and the elderly.

The expansion of routine check-ups to the entire population marks a new development, contributing to a change in the community's awareness and health care habits, which were previously hesitant or less proactive in seeking medical attention when there were no clear symptoms of illness.

Despite facing numerous challenges regarding human resources and equipment, Minh Chau Health Station has received practical support from the Young Doctors Association and the Hanoi Department of Health, mobilizing medical staff from central, provincial, and city hospitals, as well as Ba Vi General Hospital.

Thanks to the concerted efforts of healthcare workers, the nationwide health check-up program has been implemented smoothly, allowing people to receive free examinations, consultations, and medication right in their local areas.

The most significant result is the ability to screen for and detect diseases early, allowing for timely treatment and referral.

For example, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Mieu (Zone 2) initially felt perfectly healthy, but during a routine check-up, she was found to have high blood sugar and diagnosed with diabetes. She is currently being monitored and treated with medication covered by health insurance at the commune's health station.

Similarly, Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong discovered she had high blood pressure after receiving the Covid-19 vaccine but did not seek treatment. During the general health check-up, after receiving advice from a doctor at a higher-level facility, she began monthly maintenance treatment at the health station.

In addition to detecting new cases, the commune health station also regularly manages chronic diseases, helping people receive treatment closer to home, more conveniently and at a lower cost.

Alongside its professional duties, Minh Chau Health Station also promotes health education and communication through radio broadcasts, social media, or by integrating it into environmental sanitation campaigns, dengue fever prevention, rabies prevention, hypertension prevention, tuberculosis prevention, etc.

According to Doctor Le Thi Loc, in the future, the model of regular health check-ups will be organized in phases with specific plans to ensure effectiveness and reduce pressure on grassroots medical staff.

With the support of hospitals, social organizations, and local authorities, Minh Chau Health Station is gradually asserting its role as the "gatekeeper" of the healthcare system, making a significant contribution to community health care.

This is clear evidence that when primary healthcare is properly invested in and developed, people will receive comprehensive care, diseases will be detected and treated promptly, thereby reducing the burden on higher-level facilities and lowering healthcare costs for the people.

However, in reality, many localities still face difficulties in terms of human resources and infrastructure. Currently, some communes only have 1-2 doctors, and in some places, there are no doctors at all, only medical assistants. This makes people reluctant to use the commune-level healthcare system, leading to overload at higher-level facilities even for common illnesses.

To address this shortcoming, on September 9, 2025, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW on a number of breakthrough solutions in the work of protecting, caring for, and improving the health of the people.

The resolution sets a target for the period 2025-2030: each year, localities must rotate, transfer, and assign at least 1,000 doctors to work temporarily at commune health stations, while also supplementing permanent doctors at this level. By 2027, each commune health station must have at least 4-5 doctors.

In addition, 100% of commune health stations will be fully equipped with facilities, medical equipment, and personnel in accordance with their functions and duties.

The resolution also emphasizes incentive policies, including professional allowances for healthcare workers who work regularly at commune health stations and preventive health facilities.

The state budget will ensure both recurrent expenditures and investments for primary and preventive healthcare. This is expected to be a major boost, helping primary healthcare workers feel secure in their work and contributing to narrowing the gap in the quality of medical examination and treatment between the commune level and higher levels.

The Ministry of Health is currently finalizing the draft Circular guiding the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of commune, ward, and town health stations.

At a recent meeting with 34 Departments of Health nationwide, Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong affirmed that grassroots healthcare, especially commune health stations, is the place where primary healthcare is provided and where people's health is comprehensively managed.

In the coming period, health centers will need to be more strongly decentralized, empowered to implement the contents of Resolution 72 such as primary health check-ups, periodic check-ups, community screening, chronic disease management, and integrate interdisciplinary tasks such as social welfare and childcare…

When primary healthcare is properly invested in, with reasonable decentralization and considered the foundation of national healthcare development, the people will be the first to benefit, with quality healthcare services close to home, at low cost, and with long-term effectiveness.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/kham-benh-tai-xa-phat-hien-benh-nang-kip-thoi-d411631.html