Vietnam to offer free check-ups, move toward hospitalization fee exemption in 2030-35

Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam has tasked the government’s Party Committee with directing the research and development of a project that outlines a roadmap to gradually alleviate the financial burden of healthcare on citizens, aiming to achieve universal free hospitalization in 2030-35.

The Ministry of Health has been instructed to prepare a national program on healthcare, population, and development for 2026-35, set for submission to the National Assembly’s 10th session in October.

During a government press conference on Tuesday, Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan highlighted that the initiative to provide free hospitalization for all citizens is a significant and humanitarian policy with positive implications.

He noted that from 2030 to 2035, the health ministry will undertake comprehensive revisions of the Law on Health Insurance and progressively refine policies to facilitate free healthcare services for the entire population.

Free annual health check-ups by 2026-30

As an immediate step, General Secretary Lam mandated the rollout of annual health check-ups for all citizens.

The health ministry’s Party Committee is tasked with designing and submitting a detailed implementation plan, with any unresolved issues escalated to the Politburo for further guidance.

Deputy Minister Thuan also reaffirmed the health ministry’s commitment to ensure that by 2030, 100 percent of Vietnamese citizens will receive annual health screenings, facilitated through the adoption of electronic health records to monitor individuals’ health histories.

Part of the broader reform includes restructuring the healthcare system from the central to local levels, emphasizing strengthening grassroots health facilities.

The aim is to enhance their capacity to deliver comprehensive services — from primary care and preventive measures to chronic disease management and early intervention — and to upgrade technological infrastructure and staffing.

Party chief Lam also directed the government's Party Committee to lead efforts in restructuring the healthcare system from the central to local levels, ensuring alignment with the two-tiered local government model.

He urged special attention to be given to strengthening grassroots health facilities, which serve as the healthcare frontline closest to the people.

Developing resolution on public healthcare

The Party leader has instructed the collaboration among relevant agencies to research and develop a Politburo resolution aimed at initiating significant breakthroughs in public healthcare.

This resolution, slated for submission to the Politburo within this month, is intended to address challenges, pinpoint systemic bottlenecks, and clearly delineate objectives, timelines, and specific responsibilities within the public health sector.

Furthermore, pertinent units have been tasked with preparing for the institutionalization of this resolution in the forthcoming National Assembly session, alongside making necessary financial and budgetary arrangements.