Ho Chi Minh City mobilizes over 100 hospitals for free citywide health screenings

This marks the initial phase of the public health initiative in 2026 that will benefit its entire population of more than 15 million people.

This is the first time the city has coordinated 101 hospitals alongside its entire grassroots healthcare network in a synchronized, large-scale screening campaign, Tang Chi Thuong, director of the municipal Department of Health, said on Monday.

The program follows an earlier effort held on April 5 in response to All People's Health Day.

The participating 101 public and private hospitals comprise six central- and ministry-level hospitals, 69 general and specialized hospitals, and 26 private facilities.

The program is structured to leverage the specific expertise of each tier within the healthcare system.

Central- and ministry-level hospitals will focus on screening for major diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, endocrine disorders, cancer and tumor, musculoskeletal issues, dental conditions, and occupational illnesses.

Meanwhile, the city’s specialized hospitals are in charge of conducting screenings in fields including obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, oncology, and mental health.

Also, general hospitals will prioritize the detection and management of common internal diseases and chronic non-communicable conditions.

Private hospitals and regional health centers are also playing a key role in expanding service coverage and improving access for residents.

Under the citywide public health initiative, cervical cancer screenings will be carried out in 16 wards and communes for female informal workers and factory employees.

The initiative is expected to significantly improve early detection rates, particularly in reproductive health care for underserved populations.

Moving toward lifelong health management for 15 million people

Thuong said the initiative not only enables residents to access multidisciplinary medical services right where they live, but also places particular focus on groups requiring greater attention, including the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, informal workers, vulnerable groups, and other high-risk groups.

Besides, it carries broad public communication significance, helping raise awareness among residents about the importance of regular health check-ups, early disease detection, and continuous community-based health management.

The program also emphasizes digital transformation.

All screening and examination results will be integrated into electronic health records to serve long-term health management.

Following the screenings, local health centers will categorize residents based on risk levels, maintain health records, and arrange follow-up care, including referrals to higher-level facilities when necessary.

The approach is built on the principles of early detection, timely intervention, and continuous care.

“This is not just a one-time campaign,” Thuong said.

“It is the starting point for a sustained program of periodic health check-ups and disease screenings for all residents in 2026 and beyond, with the goal of proactive, continuous, and comprehensive health management across the city,” he stressed.

The municipal Department of Health confirmed that the project on health check-ups and disease screenings for the city’s residents for 2026 and the following years has now been finalized.

Once approved, it will provide the legal framework for institutionalizing annual health checks and building a data-driven public health system.

This initiative represents a shift from short-term campaigns to a proactive, lifelong healthcare model, one in which every resident’s health is continuously managed and the healthcare system takes a leading role in prevention, protection, and overall community well-being.