Breakthrough in health policy

On behalf of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Phạm Thị Thanh Trà has signed and issued Directive No. 17/CT-TTg on the organization of periodic health check-ups or free health screening for citizens. This directive concretizes Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW dated September 9, 2025, of the Politburo on the protection, care, and improvement of public health, marking a strong shift in thinking-from a focus on treatment to proactive disease prevention.

Accordingly, starting in 2026, every citizen will be entitled to at least one free annual health check-up or health screening, along with the establishment of a lifelong electronic health record for long-term health management. This is expected to gradually reduce the burden of medical costs for both families and society.

To achieve this goal, the Prime Minister has instructed ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees to regard this as a key, regular, and long-term task. Public health care must be closely integrated with socio-economic development programs and social welfare plans in each locality.

To ensure synchronized and effective implementation of free periodic health check-ups and screening, a key task is to strengthen and enhance the capacity of the grassroots healthcare system as well as preventive medicine. The Government has called for comprehensive investment in human resources, medical equipment, medicines, and chemicals, alongside intensified training, capacity building, and technical transfer for frontline healthcare workers.

The directive also stipulates that students will receive free health check-ups at the beginning of the 2026–2027 academic year. Mobile medical teams will be deployed to remote, mountainous, border, and island areas. Enterprises and employers are responsible for developing plans and organizing annual health check-ups or screening for workers in accordance with occupational safety and health regulations.

It can be affirmed that Directive No. 17/CT-TTg represents a significant milestone, reflecting a governance mindset that places people at the center. When citizens’ rights to proactive healthcare are ensured, not only can the burden of disease be reduced, but a healthier and more intellectually capable workforce will also be created-ready to drive the country into a new era of more sustainable and prosperous development.

Phuong Dong