Ho Chi Minh City Offers Free Health Check-ups to Over 3.7 Million, Revealing Regional Disparities

Ho Chi Minh City has provided free health check-ups to over 3.7 million people, covering 29.1% of its population. Among these, 22 districts and special zones have achieved over 50% coverage, with Thạnh An ward leading at 96.3% and Phước Thắng ward at 92.7%. However, significant disparities persist across different localities, with some areas only reaching 13-17% coverage. Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, Tăng Chí Thượng, noted improvements in progress across various districts but urged those lagging behind to identify unregistered individuals and implement more convenient examination methods, particularly in densely populated areas. The program has also screened over 530,000 workers and more than 530,000 preschool children and students. Health check-up results are being updated into electronic health records for long-term health monitoring. For instance, Bà Rịa ward saw a rapid increase in coverage from 14% in late July to nearly 33% by the end of August, attributed to community outreach and tailored services for the elderly, disabled, and those with mobility issues. Mr. Thượng emphasized that the program's objective extends beyond increasing the number of participants; it aims to detect risk factors early and connect individuals to counseling, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term health management. The city plans to continue supporting slower districts, expedite screenings for students and workers, and enhance the electronic health record system. Ho Chi Minh City is intensifying its nationwide health check-up program with the goal of examining 100% of its residents and updating their electronic health records by 2026. From September 3 to December 15, the Department of Health will conduct direct inspections of all participating facilities, including mobile screening points. By Lê Phương