Roadmap for free health checkups for all citizens starting in 2026.

The Ministry of Health has issued a plan to implement free periodic health check-ups or screenings for the public. The policy aims for universal coverage, with each person receiving at least one check-up per year and managed through an electronic health record.

The Ministry of Health has just issued Decision No. 1272/QD-BYT approving the plan for implementing the task of providing free periodic health check-ups or screenings for the people.

The decision was issued immediately following Prime Minister 's Directive No. 17/CT-TTg on organizing free periodic health check-ups or screenings for the people. This is considered an important step towards realizing the goal of ensuring that all citizens receive comprehensive health protection and care right from the grassroots level.

The Ministry of Health stated that organizing regular health check-ups at least once a year will help people proactively detect early risks of disease, thereby enabling timely prevention and treatment.

According to the plan, one of the key focuses is to clearly identify the target groups who will benefit from the policy of free health check-ups at least once a year.

Specifically, all residents living in the localities will be surveyed and listed so that regular check-ups can be organized at commune-level health stations or other qualified medical facilities.

For children, students, and university students, the Ministry of Health requires the Departments of Health to coordinate with the Departments of Education and Training and educational institutions to organize regular health check-ups right at schools.

For workers, agencies, businesses, and employers are responsible for organizing periodic health check-ups or screenings for their employees in accordance with the provisions of the 2015 Law on Occupational Safety and Health.

In addition, the plan also requires healthcare facilities to implement priority grouping according to a schedule to arrange appropriate appointments, avoid overcrowding, and maximize convenience for the public.

The Ministry of Health stated that organizing regular health check-ups at least once a year will help people proactively detect early risks of disease, thereby enabling timely prevention and treatment. This not only reduces the burden of disease for individuals but also contributes to reducing healthcare costs for society as a whole.

Notably, the results of health checkups will become crucial input data for the formation of a national health management system, enabling the healthcare sector to continuously monitor people's health status throughout their lives.

A notable new feature of this plan is that the entire management process will be digitized. After compilation, the results of people's health check-ups will be created into an electronic health record and directly linked to the VNeID application.

According to the Ministry of Health, the application of digital technology not only helps people easily manage their personal health information but also supports medical facilities in sharing specialized data, ensuring consistency in medical examination and treatment activities nationwide.

Regarding the implementation roadmap, the Ministry of Health has set several specific timelines for 2026. At the central level, the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management and the National Center for Medical Information must complete professional guidelines and build a digital data system by May 2026.

Meanwhile, the Department of Disease Prevention is tasked with completing guidelines for free screening for target groups before December 31, 2027.

At the local level, before May 30th, the Departments of Health must submit their implementation plans to the People's Committees of provinces and cities for approval.

According to the plan, commune-level health stations will play a leading role in providing free health check-ups for the people. In cases where the health station does not meet the requirements, the locality must direct other qualified medical facilities to provide professional support or organize mobile examination points.

Funding for the implementation of free health check-ups and screenings will be secured from the annual state budget, along with aid, programs, projects, and other legitimate sources.

The Ministry of Health stated that its affiliated units and localities are responsible for proactively allocating budgets to ensure the plan is implemented sustainably and effectively.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/lo-trinh-kham-suc-khoe-mien-phi-cho-toan-dan-tu-nam-2026-d588450.html