Prevention is a more sustainable solution than treatment

2026 marks the first year Vietnam organizes National Health Day on April 7. The event is being implemented as the health sector continues to operationalize the Disease Prevention Law and the spirit of Resolution 72/2025 from the Politburo.

Cause: prevention-focused health policy and early detection

Officials emphasized that many citizens hold a subjective view that the absence of symptoms means the body is healthy. Periodic examinations, however, help individuals understand their actual health status and recognize the value of preventive care, enabling earlier intervention and healthier lifestyles.

The campaign also highlights that many diseases can be prevented or even completely cured if detected early. For common conditions such as diabetes, lipid disorders (high cholesterol), and gout, doctors can guide dietary and lifestyle adjustments. With sustained changes over time, indicators may return to normal without medication.

Early detection can also reduce treatment costs and limit adverse health impacts. This is particularly important for cancer, where early detection can lead to curable outcomes or simpler, more effective treatment.

Development: free screenings, AI pilots, and stronger primary care

MSc. BS Nguyen Thanh Quan, Head of Quality Management at the National Otolaryngology Hospital, said free screening activities help people access health services, detect early disease risks, and build proactive health-seeking habits.

In Hanoi, a public health campaign launched free screenings for about 10,000 people. The plan includes piloting artificial intelligence (AI) applications at Duc Giang General Hospital, Xanh Pon General Hospital, and Hanoi Oncology Hospital to analyze images (X-ray, CT, MRI, etc.) for early cancer detection, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases, supporting clinicians’ decision-making.

To strengthen primary health care and lifecycle health management, Hanoi’s People’s Committee requires 126 communes and wards to invest in upgrading medical infrastructure, equipment, and personnel at local health stations to meet standards for basic health care.

In the second quarter of 2026, Hanoi’s health department will lead a plan with the finance and social security sectors to implement annual routine health checks or free screenings for residents. By the end of 2026, Hanoi requires the health department to finalize documents to designate Xanh Pon General Hospital, Thanh Nhan Hospital, and Hanoi Oncology Hospital as smart hospitals.

Data and results: screening follow-up and referrals in Ho Chi Minh City

In Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), the Director of the City Department of Health reported that after a citywide free screening campaign on April 6, 4,206 residents were placed under follow-up at local clinics and 4,578 were referred to hospitals for diagnostic workups. This brought the total number of cases needing medical intervention to nearly 9,000.

The screening results showed that chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes account for a large share of cases that can be easily missed without regular screening. The program also identified serious health issues, including 341 people with signs suggesting cancer requiring hospital transfer, and hundreds of cases involving problems in eyes, cardiovascular systems, gynecology, dermatology, respiratory, digestive, and dental health.

A key feature of the program is bringing advanced screening techniques—previously mainly available at higher-level facilities—down to the commune and ward level. At each screening site, people receive examinations plus risk assessments, health counseling, and health management records. After screening, individuals receive specific guidance and follow-up at local health stations or referral if needed.

In nearly 14,000 people participating in community health screening in HCMC, doctors found that more than 63% of cases required follow-up and intensive treatment.

Impact and system direction: annual checks and data-driven care

Dr. Nguyễn Văn Vĩnh Châu, Deputy Director of the City Department of Health, said the city aims for every resident to have at least one health check per year in 2026. With nearly 15 million people, the target is a major challenge, but also a crucial step toward building a population health management system grounded in data.

The “three-legged stool” model—flexible examinations, community screening, and seamless health data interconnectivity—is expected to form the foundation for a modern, sustainable health system.

Expert and government guidance: three practical actions for people and families

At the opening ceremony for National Health Day, Minister of Health Đào Hồng Lan urged every person and family to adopt three practical actions: first, devote time to self-care and make exercise a daily habit; second, practice a scientifically informed lifestyle, ensure nutrition and a clean living environment, and move toward eliminating harmful habits like smoking and excessive drinking; third, change health-care habits by not delaying medical visits until illness arises.