Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW Many breakthrough solutions, touching the hearts of millions of people

National Assembly Deputy Nguyen Anh Tri ( Hanoi ):
A resolution rich in humanistic values, concretizing the concept of "the people benefit".

Resolution No. 72 NQ/TW on some breakthrough solutions to strengthen the protection, care, and improvement of people's health, issued by the Politburo on September 9th, is of special importance, further demonstrating the Party's profound concern for the health of every citizen.

One of the key highlights of Resolution 72-NQ/TW is the shift in focus from "treating diseases" to "preventing diseases," using preventive medicine and primary healthcare as the foundation, and ensuring that people have access to quality healthcare services and comprehensive health management right at the commune-level health station. This guiding principle of the resolution is entirely consistent with current realities, as non-communicable diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension are on the rise.

In particular, Resolution 72-NQ/TW sets the goal that from 2026, people will receive free periodic health check-ups or screenings at least once a year. This is a humane and practical goal, making a significant contribution to social welfare, because "prevention is more important than cure." A nation that wants to develop needs healthy and happy citizens.

Resolution 72-NQ/TW also sets the goal that by 2030, people will be exempt from basic hospital fees according to their health insurance benefits, following a phased approach. If effectively implemented, this policy will alleviate the burden on patients, especially those from disadvantaged families. It can be said that this goal touches the hearts of millions of people, is highly humane, and concretizes the concept of "the people benefit" on the foundation of national stability and sustainable development.

The two major objectives outlined in Resolution 72-NQ/TW demonstrate the foresight of the Party and the State in the new era, helping people avoid poverty due to disease, while ensuring that no one is left behind in the development process.

I believe that with strong innovation in management thinking, improving the capacity of the healthcare system, especially preventive and primary healthcare, along with promoting the strengths of traditional medicine and developing a high-quality, synchronized healthcare workforce, will yield even better results. This will significantly contribute to building a prosperous and civilized nation in the new era.

National Assembly Delegate Nguyen Thi Viet Nga (Hai Phong):
The resolution's objectives represent a major step forward in welfare.

Resolution 72-NQ/TW of the Politburo was issued in a special context, when our country was simultaneously implementing four pillar resolutions: Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation; Resolution 59-NQ/TW on international integration; Resolution 66-NQ/TW on reforming the work of drafting and enforcing laws to meet the requirements of national development in the new era; and Resolution 68-NQ/TW on the development of the private economy.

National Assembly Deputy Nguyen Thi Viet Nga (Hai Phong City). Photo: Nghia Duc

Recently, the Politburo also issued Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in education and training development, which identifies this as a breakthrough area, creating a foundation for raising the intellectual level of the people, training human resources, and nurturing talents.

Placed within this context, Resolution 72-NQ/TW and other resolutions issued by the Politburo complement and interact closely with each other to perfect the "triangle" of pillars of the Vietnamese people: learning, health, and institutions. This is a rare convergence, affirming the Party's comprehensive vision on economic development, improving and perfecting institutions, focusing on health and education, all revolving around a central axis: the people.

The goals, tasks, and solutions outlined in Resolution 72-NQ/TW serve as a roadmap for concretizing the Party's long-term guiding principles on people's healthcare. The public wholeheartedly agrees with and anticipates the implementation of these goals, tasks, and solutions. Of particular interest are three objectives: providing free periodic health check-ups or screenings for the public at least once a year starting in 2026; waiving basic hospital fees within the scope of health insurance benefits by 2030; and expanding the scope of health insurance benefits.

The aforementioned goals represent a significant step forward in social welfare, reflecting the spirit of "putting the people at the center." To successfully achieve these three crucial objectives, it is first necessary to ensure the sustainability of the health insurance fund – the common "purse" for implementing the policy.

At the same time, a reasonable roadmap is needed, prioritizing vulnerable groups, avoiding fragmentation of benefits based on household registration or administrative boundaries; reforming insurance payment methods, overcoming inadequacies in quotas and bidding for medicines and medical supplies... to help policies be effectively implemented.

To implement the adjustment of health insurance coverage in line with digital transformation and lifecycle health management as outlined in the resolution, a cautious approach and ensuring feasible implementation are necessary. First, priority should be given to certain groups such as those at risk of serious illnesses, chronic diseases, and cancer; emphasis should be placed on preventive medicine, community rehabilitation, and mental health care. Furthermore, the issuance of a list of basic medical services categorized by age group and risk level is mandatory to avoid overload and ensure resource allocation; and the standardization of digital claims processing and payment procedures based on electronic health records is required.

Improving the remuneration of grassroots healthcare workers and increasing investment in this level of healthcare is a core task. This is the level closest to the people, providing primary healthcare, yet it has not received adequate attention, leading to overcrowding at higher-level hospitals. Therefore, priority should be given to allocating budget and providing superior mechanisms for grassroots healthcare personnel, especially in disadvantaged areas. The goal of having 4-5 doctors at each commune health station by 2030 is a specific target that needs to be pursued decisively.

Besides increasing the income and allowances for grassroots healthcare workers, it is necessary to implement the family doctor model, digital health stations, and pay due attention to preventive medicine – which is the "shield" against disease, reduces the burden of costs, and protects public health.

National Assembly Deputy Pham Van Hoa (Dong Thap):
Innovation and action, placing people at the center of healthcare activities.

Resolution 72-NQ/TW of the Politburo is of strategic and long-term significance, and is a resolution of innovation and action. The resolution addresses many new and important issues with a major impact, creating breakthroughs in protecting, caring for, and improving the health of the people to achieve the strategic goals set forth.

The resolution identifies five perspectives, five specific target groups for 2030, a vision for 2045, and six groups of breakthrough tasks and solutions, as well as responsibilities in implementation. Among these, the second perspective, "the people are the central subjects, given the highest priority in the development and implementation of policies to strengthen the protection, care, and improvement of physical health...", is entirely correct and necessary.

From this perspective, in all healthcare activities, the people are at the center, not only as beneficiaries but also as partners in the healthcare process. Placing the people at the highest priority means that the healthcare system must ensure equitable access to quality services at reasonable costs; while also focusing on disease prevention and physical health improvement, rather than solely on treatment.

The resolution has set many practical goals for the people. Among them, the goal of providing free periodic health check-ups or screenings at least once a year starting in 2026 is a sound policy, reflecting a vision of prevention over cure. However, it also poses a huge challenge in terms of resources, especially when having to serve nearly 100 million people. This requires thorough preparation starting now, from budget and infrastructure to human resources and flexible, creative organization (applying technology, organizing mobile services based on geographical areas, etc.).

People are very excited and have high expectations for Resolution 72-NQ/TW. However, the most important thing is that its implementation must be substantive, put into practice, and bring convenience, transparency, and fairness in healthcare for all citizens.

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/nghi-quyet-so-72-nq-tw-nhieu-giai-phap-dot-pha-cham-den-trai-tim-hang-trieu-nguoi-dan-10387159.html