New expectations from Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW: Realizing universal health care

Editor's note: Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW of the Politburo on a number of breakthrough solutions to strengthen the protection, care and improvement of people's health (referred to as Resolution 72) has just been issued and has attracted special attention from the whole society. Not only is it an important political document, the resolution also arouses great confidence and expectations for strong changes in the Vietnamese health sector in the coming period. SGGP newspaper would like to quote some opinions of experts and people on this issue.

Doctors at Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital are examining a patient

Associate Professor, Dr. DAO XUAN CO, Director of Bach Mai Hospital:

From passive treatment to active disease prevention

Resolution 72 is a very timely strategy and policy to develop a strong country, focusing on people, demonstrating the profound humanity of our regime and will also be a revolution for the health sector. We have had a policy of free tuition, and in the near future, free hospital fees, along with each citizen receiving a periodic health check-up at least once a year, which is a "declaration" of the strategy for taking care of people's health. We have moved from passive treatment to proactive disease prevention and early detection, which is of great significance to the health sector. I believe that, with the determination of the entire Party, the entire people, the participation of the entire political system and a methodical roadmap, we will successfully implement Resolution 72, bringing practical benefits to all people.

Dr. DIEP BAO TUAN, Director of Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital:

A humane decision

Two contents that I really like in this resolution are: From 2026, people will be able to have regular health check-ups or free screening at least once a year; and by 2030, people will be exempted from basic hospital fees within the scope of health insurance benefits according to the roadmap. Having regular health check-ups every year and free of charge for the whole population will help detect cancer early (if any). Thanks to that, treatment costs will be reduced, treatment effectiveness will increase, and the mortality rate due to cancer in Vietnam will be reduced... It can be said that Resolution 72 of the Politburo on a number of breakthrough solutions to strengthen the protection, care and improvement of people's health is a humane decision of our Party and State.

Associate Professor, Dr. NGUYEN CONG HOANG, Director of Thai Nguyen Central Hospital:

Investing resources in the health sector

Resolution 72 of the Politburo has many specific goals, especially the policy of free hospitalisation and annual health check-ups for all people. This is a breakthrough in Vietnam's health policy. This resolution will help reduce the financial burden and create conditions for people, especially those in difficult circumstances, to easily access high-quality health services. To successfully implement Resolution 72, we should increase financial resources from the state budget for the health sector and the health insurance fund; at the same time, health facilities need to be invested further in facilities, equipment and human resources.

Mr. LE HUY LINH, Construction worker in Xuan Mai commune, Hanoi city:

Hope the policy will soon come into life

According to information about Resolution 72 just issued by General Secretary To Lam, from 2026, all people will be able to have regular health check-ups. I am very excited, I just hope that this policy will soon come into effect so that workers' families like us can feel more secure and worry less when we are sick. Most people have health insurance cards, but disease prevention is still not focused on, so when they are sick and have to go to the hospital, it is very expensive and difficult. Resolution 72 emphasizes the need for disease prevention rather than treatment, with the policy that people will have regular health check-ups or annual screening. That is what brings joy to the whole population.

Ms. TRAN THI TRANG, Director of Health Insurance Department, Ministry of Health:

Calculate the budget for implementation

To achieve the goal of annual health check-ups for people and free hospital fees for all people, we will need a huge financial resource. Free health check-ups alone at least once a year for all people will require an additional VND 25,000 billion/year. In addition, programs for screening and early detection of some common diseases, and basic health service packages implemented by health stations should also have additional funding. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account the capacity of the health insurance fund and the state budget to determine which diseases need to be screened, which health services are included for free according to the roadmap and priority subjects, ensuring feasibility. At the same time, there is a policy to allocate revenue from special consumption tax on products harmful to health such as cigarettes, alcohol, beer, soft drinks, etc. to create a source of free hospital fees.

Peace of mind treatment

On the morning of September 12, the Examination Department of Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital was packed with patients waiting in line to get a number for examination. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hien (64 years old, residing in Phuoc Long Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) expressed her joy when hearing the news that in the coming time, she will be able to have free annual examinations, and eventually be exempted from hospital fees. For patients like Ms. Hien, this is not only a policy but also a consolation and encouragement to continue fighting the disease... Sharing the same situation, Ms. Le Thi Thu (43 years old, residing in Hanoi), who is being treated at K Hospital, shared: Cancer treatment is very expensive. In the near future, when hospital fees and medicine support are exempted, we will be able to treat the disease with peace of mind, reducing the worry about food and clothing for our families.

THANH AN - GIAO LINH - NGUYEN QUOC

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/ky-vong-moi-tu-nghi-quyet-so-72-nqtw-hien-thuc-hoa-cong-tac-cham-soc-suc-khoe-toan-dan-post812799.html