Ho Chi Minh City launches large-scale health screening and preventive health checks for residents in 2026

Plan No. 135/KH-UBND, signed by Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City Nguyen Manh Cuong, is built on the basis of central resolutions and the City’s Party Committee action plan, requiring not only health screening but also long-term health management through the electronic health records system. Organize simultaneous health screenings to bring health services closer to residents The program will conduct health check-ups simultaneously at 168 wards, communes, and special zones citywide. Rather than concentrating at higher-level hospitals, screenings will be brought to grassroots facilities, making it easier for residents to access health services. General hospitals, specialty hospitals, and medical centers will participate directly, providing professional support to the local level. The screening content not only covers basic indicators but also includes screening for major conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and diseases of the eye and respiratory system. The screening content includes ocular diseases such as retinopathy and refractive errors; newborn cardiac screening for children; screening for common cancers; in-depth counseling for high-risk cases; measuring blood pressure, checking blood glucose, assessing cardiovascular risk, and early detection of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases… The targets include the elderly, people with disabilities, women, children, workers, those with high risk factors, poor and near-poor households, policy beneficiaries, and other vulnerable groups in the localities. Clearly defining target groups helps the program achieve higher effectiveness in early detection of diseases and risk factors. Screening locations are at 168 ward/commune health stations and special zones across the city. Implementation period: Friday, April 17, 2026. In addition, the City requires the compilation of a Health Check and Screening Handbook as a unified communications document, detailing specific basic and advanced screening packages suitable for each group such as children, those of marriageable age, women of reproductive age, middle-aged men, and the elderly… contributing to raising awareness and helping residents proactively access services and shift behavior from passive treatment to proactive disease prevention. At the same time, strengthen and develop health check and screening departments at hospitals to facilitate residents’ participation, ensure capacity for reception, counseling, and post-screening follow-up, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of population health activities. Time: from April to December 31, 2026. Linking screening with long-term health management A key new feature of this year’s program is the close linkage between screening and aftercare management. All screening results are required to be updated into the electronic health record system, laying the foundation for continuous monitoring of residents’ health status. Cases identified as high risk will be classified, monitored, or promptly referred, ensuring no missed interventions. This improves program effectiveness and avoids the scenario of screening without follow-up. Meanwhile, communications efforts are being vigorously implemented to mobilize active participation. Guidance documents and health-check handbooks are developed to help residents understand the benefits of routine screening and to shift behavior from passive treatment to proactive prevention. In particular, the City requires reviewing and listing target groups within the locality, prioritizing the elderly, people with disabilities, women, children, workers, the poor and near-poor, policy beneficiaries, and other vulnerable groups, ensuring no target group is overlooked. Health stations are designated as coordination hubs with hospitals to implement screening according to assigned responsibilities, ensuring professional processes and accurate data entry to update the electronic health records. Funding for the health check and screening program for residents in 2026 is allocated from the state budget under current budget decentralization provisions, and from other lawful funding sources as prescribed by law. Citywide implementation of the program helps early disease detection and builds a foundation for a sustainable community health care system.