Free nationwide health check-ups for all citizens

The Vietnamese Government is set to launch a nationwide free health screening program for all citizens starting in 2026, under a major healthcare policy aimed at improving public health and reducing medical costs.

Under Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW issued on September 9, 2025 by the Politburo of Vietnam, every citizen will be entitled to at least one free annual health check-up or disease screening. The policy also includes the establishment of electronic health records to support lifelong healthcare management and early disease prevention.

To accelerate implementation, the Government of Vietnam recently issued Directive No. 17/CT-TTg dated May 6, 2026, requiring ministries, sectors and local authorities to organize regular free medical examinations and screenings nationwide.

Prime Ministerial directives emphasize that the program must be treated as a long-term and priority social welfare task closely linked to socio-economic development and public well-being. Authorities aim for nationwide coverage by the end of 2026, ensuring all citizens receive free health screenings and digital health records.

The northern province of Tuyen Quang has emerged as a model locality after proactively mobilizing resources and implementing free health examinations for residents. The initiative has helped raise public awareness about preventive healthcare and encouraged people to adopt regular health check-up habits.

To ensure effective nationwide implementation, the Government has called for the participation of the entire political system, particularly grassroots authorities and healthcare agencies. Localities are also required to strengthen primary healthcare and preventive medicine systems, improve medical staffing, equipment and supplies, and expand professional training for healthcare workers.

The policy is regarded as a highly humanitarian social welfare initiative, placing people’s health at the center while promoting the principle that prevention is better than cure.

Duc Anh