Vietnam to Screen Students Nationwide for Five Health Risks from 2028

Vietnam will implement regular health check-ups and screenings for five major health risks targeting all students nationwide starting from 2028, as part of a national initiative to achieve breakthroughs in education and training development. This milestone school year marks a pivotal transition from laying the groundwork for reform to delivering substantive changes as the country pushes ahead with implementing Politburo Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in education and training development. By 2030, all educational institutions are expected to have separate medical rooms equipped with essential medicines and healthcare equipment, adequate access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, and school meal services that comply with food safety regulations. The Prime Minister has issued Directive No. 17/CT-TTg dated May 6, 2026, on organizing regular and free health check-ups and screening services for all people. According to the Hanoi Department of Health, the city has 4,776 educational institutions with more than 2.2 million preschool and school students. The health campaign will run from August 18 to September 4, targeting 100% coverage before the new school year begins. Ho Chi Minh City’s participation in the global Cities for Better Health network marks a step forward in implementing its Action Plan through 2030, with a focus on tackling overweight and obesity, particularly among school-age children. The healthcare sector has undergone significant transformation in recent years to realise Politburo Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW on breakthrough solutions to improve healthcare delivery and public health. This includes improving access to healthcare through telemedicine, electronic health records, and integrated health databases.