Dong Nai expands free universal health check-ups

Following the launch of Dong Nai Department of Health's 180-day campaign for universal periodic health examinations, around 5,000 residents from six safety-zone communes and wards—localities that once served as key revolutionary bases— have received free medical checkups.

Doctors from Hoan My Dong Nai Hospital conduct periodic health examinations for residents of Phu Ly Commune.

In line with Directive No. 17/CT-TTg, issued by the Prime Minister on May 6, 2026, on providing free periodic health examinations or health screenings for citizens, Dong Nai's health sector is expanding the program to all remaining communes and wards across the city. At the same time, the city will implement a 100-day campaign to establish and update residents' Electronic Health Records (EHRs) on the VNeID application by integrating health examination and treatment data, following guidance from the Ministry of Health.

Many residents found to have chronic diseases

Dr. Lam Hung Hanh, Specialist Level II, Deputy Director of Thong Nhat General Hospital, said the hospital recently mobilized 41 doctors, nurses and medical staff, together with modern equipment including a mobile X-ray vehicle, ultrasound machines, electrocardiographs and other diagnostic devices, to provide health examinations for residents of Loc Thanh Commune.

More than 430 residents received general health checkups, laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging services. Medical examinations revealed that many residents suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension. Because of financial difficulties and other factors, many had not previously sought medical care. Through the free community-based examinations, they became aware of their health conditions for the first time. Doctors also provided consultations and treatment guidance to help residents better manage their illnesses and prevent complications.

In implementation of Prime Minister's Directive No. 17/CT-TTg, not only hospitals and medical centers under the Dong Nai Department of Health, but also hospitals operated by ministries and sectors and located in Dong Nai have actively participated in the campaign by providing free health examinations, medicines and gifts to local residents.

Senior Colonel Tran Van Duy, Deputy Director of Military Hospital 7B, under the Department of Logistics - Technical Services of Military Region 7,  which is based in Tam Hiep Ward, said that since early July 2026, the hospital has coordinated with local authorities to provide free medical examinations for 500 policy beneficiaries, revolutionary contributors and disadvantaged residents in Dinh Quan Commune and Dak O Commune. He said the program not only improves public healthcare but also demonstrates the military medical force’s responsibility and commitment to serving communities, particularly people living in border, remote and disadvantaged areas, while strengthening military-civilian solidarity.

After receiving health examination, Dieu Thi Reu, 63, from Bu Khon Hamlet in Dak O Commune, said: "This is the first time I've received a comprehensive health examination right in my community. Previously, I had to travel a long distance, which cost both time and money. Now I can receive free checkups and detailed medical advice, which gives me great peace of mind. I hope programs like this will continue every year so our health can be monitored regularly."

To support the 100-day campaign to establish and update residents' EHRs, the Ministry of Health requires all localities and healthcare providers to ensure that health data uploaded to the national health data portal are accurate, complete, non-duplicated, digitally signed and compatible with the National Population Database. The entire implementation process must also ensure cybersecurity and information security.

Ensuring every resident has an electronic health record

The Ministry of Health recently issued Decision No. 2062/QD-BYT, providing detailed guidance for collecting, updating and integrating health examination data, as well as creating and updating EHRs on the VNeID application. The initiative aims to establish a unified personal health database to support lifelong healthcare management and improve digital governance across Vietnam's healthcare system.

Dr. Do Thi Nguyen, Specialist Level II, Director of the Dong Nai Department of Health, said in accordance with the Ministry of Health's directive, the department is finalizing its draft plan to implement the 100-day campaign to establish and update EHRs on the VNeID app.

According to the Ministry's guidelines, the campaign focuses on two primary tasks: building a comprehensive personal health database using data from periodic health examinations, screening programs at healthcare facilities and medical treatment records shared by Vietnam Social Security, while creating and updating an EHR for every citizen through the VNeID application.

Residents who have not yet registered for an EHR on VNeID should provide necessary information and register for the initial creation of their EHR through VNeID. Those who already have an EHR can directly register on the VNeID application for periodic health examinations. Once registration is confirmed, residents’ information will be synchronized with the Ministry of Health's national personal health database under the Ministry of Public Security’s guidelines. Based on residents’ registration information and other available data sources, the Dong Nai Department of Health will instruct medical facilities and health stations to develop plans, notify residents and provide free periodic health examinations.

By Hanh Dung - Translated by Mai Nga, Thu Ha