Elderly citizens receive free annual health checks from 2026

Elderly citizens will receive free periodic health check-ups or screenings at least once a year from 2026, under a revised national programme that aims to strengthen preventive care and expand support services for Vietnam’s ageing population.

The entitlement is provided in Prime Minister Decision 1116/QD-TTg dated June 22, which amends and supplements Decision 1579/QD-TTg of October 13, 2020, approving the National Elderly Healthcare Programme through 2030.

A notable change in the revised decision is its broader policy approach. While Decision 1579 focused on healthcare for elderly people, the new decision moves towards elderly care in a wider sense, covering not only medical services but also community-based support, day-care models and long-term assistance.

The decision sets several key targets for 2030, saying that at least 90 per cent of elderly people will be screened, treated and managed for non-communicable diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and dementia.

Community-based care will also be expanded. At least one elderly care club and one elderly care volunteer team will be established in 90 per cent of communes, wards and special zones. At least 20 per cent of communes, wards and special zones will pilot and develop day-care facility models for elderly people.

At the provincial level, all provinces and cities must have elderly care facilities operating with support from social resources. Each locality must also have either a dedicated geriatric hospital or a general hospital with a geriatric department.

The decision also introduces measures to strengthen primary healthcare, improve the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, develop long-term care models and provide specialised training for people working in elderly care.

The Government also plans to modernise elderly care by developing elderly-friendly communes, wards and special zones, and applying information technology, including social networks and internet-based services, to elderly care services.

The Ministry of Health is assigned to lead the programme and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and other ministries and sectors in preparing implementation plans, arranging personnel and facilities, and rolling out the programme nationwide.

The ministry will also conduct communication campaigns together with free health check-ups and screening services for common age-related diseases. Elderly care projects will be incorporated into the ministry’s medium-term and annual public investment plans and submitted to the Ministry of Finance for consolidation before being reported to the Government.

- (VLLF)