Dong Nai Province Launches Nationwide Health Check Campaign

The southern province of Dong Nai is rolling out a comprehensive health check campaign for all its residents, underscoring the health sector's commitment to national well-being. This initiative aims to implement the government's directives on prioritizing public health, particularly in challenging areas. Following Prime Minister's Directive No. 17/CT-TTg dated May 6, 2026, the Dong Nai Provincial Department of Health has proactively advised the Provincial People's Committee to coordinate with relevant departments, sectors, and healthcare facilities to launch this widespread campaign. The primary objective is to gradually ensure that all citizens undergo regular health examinations, with results systematically updated into their electronic health records (EHR) and digital health books. This move is expected to enhance health management efficiency, strengthen preventive healthcare, and facilitate early disease detection across the entire population, with a special focus on remote, mountainous, and ethnic minority regions. Nguyen Van Binh, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Provincial Department of Health, stated, "The campaign for regular health check-ups for the entire population is being implemented simultaneously across all xã and phường in the province. We consider this a key political task for the health sector in 2026. Therefore, all units are required to mobilize adequate resources, conduct examinations according to established protocols, ensure accurate targeting, and focus on substantive outcomes rather than mere statistics. We also emphasize the crucial role of grassroots healthcare in managing public health, strengthening supervision and monitoring, and measuring the campaign's success by the quality of examinations, the effectiveness of post-examination health management, and the satisfaction of the residents." In mid-July, a launch ceremony for the intensive 180-day health check campaign was held in the border commune of Lộc Thành. This event, a collaboration between the Department of Health and Thống Nhất General Hospital, saw medical teams providing health check-ups, consultations, and free medication. They also brought advanced medical equipment, including mobile X-ray machines, ECG devices, and ultrasound machines, enabling residents to access high-quality medical services locally. The Chairman of Lộc Thành Commune People's Committee reported that 530 residents participated on the first day, receiving general health assessments, necessary tests, diagnostic imaging, disease prevention advice, and free medication. This mobile screening initiative has been instrumental in providing border residents with access to specialized medical services and raising awareness about the importance of regular check-ups, particularly for early detection of non-communicable diseases and risk factors. In the border communes of Lộc Tấn and Lộc Thạnh, medical teams from Bình Phước General Hospital and Hoàn Mỹ Bình Phước Hospital examined approximately 500 individuals. Services included internal medicine, pediatrics, ophthalmology, ear, nose, and throat, dentistry, and dermatology, along with laboratory tests such as complete blood count, blood glucose, liver function, urinalysis, and ultrasound as needed. Nguyen Van Xuyen from Lộc Thắng hamlet, Lộc Tấn commune, shared his gratitude: "We are very happy to receive medical attention, as people here rarely have the opportunity for regular check-ups. This helps us detect diseases like hypertension, diabetes, liver problems, and kidney stones early, allowing for timely consultation and treatment. The doctors are very enthusiastic and thorough, which gives us great peace of mind." Mrs. Tran Thi Hang from Lộc Thành commune added, "The doctors were very dedicated. My health check indicated I am well. I truly hope doctors will continue to visit remote areas like ours for health check-ups." Dong Nai Province, with its approximately 5 million residents spread across 95 xã and phường, faces challenges due to its vast territory and uneven population distribution. Remote and border areas, in particular, experience economic difficulties and geographic isolation, leading many residents to go years without periodic health examinations. Consequently, when diseases are detected, they are often in advanced stages, resulting in costly and less effective treatments. The nationwide health check campaign not only aids in early disease detection and reduces financial burdens on citizens but also prominently showcases the humanitarian aspect of social welfare policies, ensuring equitable and timely healthcare for all, regardless of their location. Source: Nhan Dan