 |
| Residents of Vy Da Ward receive free health checkups and screenings in their local area |
‘Going door to door’
Under the plan issued by Hue City People’s Committee, the program is being implemented across the city to bring healthcare services closer to residents. The key objective is not simply the number of people receiving checkups, but the results of each examination, including early detection of health risks, medical advice and continuous health monitoring.
To achieve this goal, the health sector has worked closely with local authorities to review and categorize target groups and develop suitable arrangements for each residential area. Every step, from preparing lists and sending invitations to organizing checkups and providing follow-up care, has been standardized to ensure consistency and efficiency.
In Vy Da Ward, one of the first areas to implement the program, considerable efforts have been made to encourage residents to participate. Of nearly 8,700 people eligible for health checkups, more than 5,000 have been examined so far. This result reflects not only the efforts of local authorities but also a growing awareness among residents of the importance of regular health checkups.
Nguyen Ty, a resident of Vy Da Ward, said that because of his advanced age and the fact that his children are living far away, he rarely has the opportunity to undergo health checkups. The free local program has made it easier for him to access healthcare services and feel more reassured about his health. Cases like his are not uncommon, particularly among older people and vulnerable groups who need greater attention in community healthcare.
To achieve these results, local authorities have mobilized the entire local political system. According to Ms. Nguyen Kim Thanh Tri, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Division of the Vy Da Ward People’s Committee, encouraging residents, especially vulnerable groups, to participate has not been easy. Officials have gone door to door to raise awareness, deliver invitations and help residents attend the checkups.
Alongside public outreach, the health sector has also focused on improving professional standards. Healthcare facilities have received training and guidance on a standardized examination process, from registration and screening to recording results, providing medical advice and conducting follow-up monitoring. This ensures that residents not only receive health checkups but also have their health managed systematically.
Another important feature of the program is the use of digital technology. Electronic health records integrated into the VNeID platform are being gradually introduced, allowing residents’ health information to be stored and monitored continuously. This provides a foundation for connecting healthcare facilities, supporting doctors in diagnosis, treatment and consultation, while enabling residents to take a more active role in monitoring their own health.
Establishing electronic health records for residents
The implementation process has also faced several difficulties, particularly in organizing mobile health checkups in densely populated areas or places with limited transport access. Dr. Tran Tan, Deputy Director of Phu Xuan Medical Center, said: “With our current workforce, the center has to provide medical examinations and treatment at its facilities while also organizing mobile health checkups in local communities. This has led to a shortage of doctors, nurses and technicians. However, we have developed plans and allocated medical staff appropriately to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to access these services.”
According to Dr. Tan, besides providing health checkups and screenings, establishing health records for long-term monitoring and management is equally important. He called for coordination among relevant departments and agencies to ensure that every resident has an electronic health record, with results updated after each examination.
Associate Professor Dr. Tran Kiem Hao, Director of the Hue City Department of Health, said the program is being implemented on a large scale, covering the entire population. It therefore requires coordinated implementation and quality assurance rather than simply focusing on numbers. The health sector has taken the lead in working with departments, agencies and local authorities to mobilize the combined resources of the entire political system.
To establish a legal framework and a basis for implementation, the city has issued specific plans for the 2026-2030 period, while regularly updating and adjusting them to address difficulties arising during implementation. This provides an important foundation for carrying out the program systematically, with a clear roadmap and a focus on long-term sustainability.
With a population of more than 1.27 million, Hue City aims to provide free periodic health checkups or screenings to 100% of people living, studying and working in the city by the end of 2026. In particular, all examination results will be entered into electronic health records, creating a citywide health database that will serve as the foundation for lifelong health management.
Accelerating health checkups for all residents in Hue City is not simply a short-term campaign, but a long-term strategy aimed at sustainable development. Ensuring that every resident receives comprehensive and continuous healthcare will provide a solid foundation for building a healthy community.