Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW of the Politburo is ushering in a new era for Vietnam’s healthcare sector with a breakthrough management mindset. Rather than concentrating resources on treatment at top-tier hospitals, the new strategy emphasizes proactive healthcare and community protection at the grassroots level.
Shifting Focus from “Curing” to “Preventing” The core of the new policy is a fundamental shift in healthcare philosophy. The sector will focus on preventive and primary healthcare as the foundation for comprehensive, lifelong health management. Residents will be encouraged to undergo regular health screenings at least once a year to detect early risks, thereby reducing the long-term burden of treatment and medical costs.
The “Breakthrough within a Breakthrough”: Phased Medical Fee Exemptions The Minister of Health has reaffirmed the long-term goal of implementing a policy of free medical services within the scope of health insurance. This roadmap will prioritize social policy beneficiaries, low-income individuals, and vulnerable groups, aiming for a 2030 target where citizens receive basic medical services without financial barriers.
Enhancing System Capacity and Modernizing Governance To realize these objectives, the healthcare sector is focusing on three main pillars:
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Human Resources: Prioritizing special incentives for doctors at primary healthcare levels and in disadvantaged areas.
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Infrastructure: Providing synchronized equipment for 100% of communal health stations; developing at least one specialized or geriatric hospital in every province and city.
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Digitalization: Establishing electronic health records for every citizen and connecting national medical data for seamless health management.
Despite challenges such as an aging population and the rise of non-communicable diseases, Vietnam is striving to build a transparent, accountable healthcare system that places citizen satisfaction as the ultimate benchmark, supported by financial mechanism reforms and full political commitment.