Ho Chi Minh City has officially launched a major health check program aimed at examining 100% of its residents. On July 16, PGS-TS Tang Chi Thuong, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, announced the start of a 150-day campaign to provide health checks for the city's 16 million inhabitants. This initiative is part of a strategic shift in the healthcare system from a focus on "treating illness" to "proactive health care." The program emphasizes preventive measures, data management, and placing citizens at the center of health care activities.

With a workforce of approximately 6.5 million, 2.7 million students, and 800,000 university students, the city aims to complete health checks for all residents, including vulnerable groups such as children not attending school, informal workers, and the elderly. Since the program's inception on May 25, over 550,000 residents have already undergone health checks and established electronic health records.

The Department of Health has set ambitious goals to complete health checks by October 31, with a final target of ensuring that all citizens receive health checks by December 15. To achieve this, the city is mobilizing 480 healthcare facilities and more than 10,000 medical staff. PGS-TS Nguyen Anh Dung, Deputy Director of the Department of Health, emphasized the importance of clear objectives and accountability in the implementation of the program.

The health check campaign will also extend to schools and businesses, with specific plans for each demographic group. For instance, high school students will be checked in collaboration with the Department of Education, while companies will facilitate health checks for their employees. The program aims to ensure no one is left out, with a focus on reaching the most vulnerable populations.

PGS-TS Nguyen Anh Dung noted that the health checks are not just a short-term initiative but a long-term plan to enhance public health management. The campaign will also include efforts to manage chronic diseases and integrate health data into a comprehensive electronic health record system. This approach is expected to improve early disease detection and health management at the community level.

As the countdown to the December 15 deadline continues, the Department of Health is urging every sector, including local governments, schools, and businesses, to treat this initiative as a shared responsibility. The commitment to proactive health care is seen as a crucial step in improving the overall health of Ho Chi Minh City's residents.