After nearly two months of implementation, the Universal health checkup program in Dak Lak province is entering its phase of synchronized implementation. However, the program is facing numerous difficulties, requiring the entire political system to decisively participate to achieve the goals.

Following directives from the Central Government, the PPC has issued a plan for periodic health checkups or screenings during the 2026-2030 period. The goal is for each eligible citizen to receive a free health checkup at least once a year; simultaneously, creating an electronic health record for long-term health management.

Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Head of the National Assembly Delegation of Dak Lak Province, comrade Luong Nguyen Minh Triet, visiting coupled with encouraging elderly people in the province.

After a pilot phase in four localities including Tan An ward, Tuy Hoa ward, Krong Bong commune, along with Dong Xuan commune, from July 1st, 2026, the program has been rolled out concomitantly in 102 communes together with wards province-wide, covering over 1.8 million people eligible for health checkups as stipulated.

Although all 102 communes alongside wards started implementation on July 1st, 2026, by July 16th, 2026, only 69 communes coupled with wards issued plans; 63 communes and wards completed the review coupled with compilation of lists of eligible residents along with the number of people to be examined under the program, which is still low compared to the scheduled target.

The practical implementation shows that the first difficulty is the pressure on the grassroots health system. Wholly province currently has 102 commune and ward health stations with 257 doctors, yet only 17 stations have the required number of doctors; 85 stations still lack personnel, mainly in remote areas alongside ethnic minority areas. Concurrently, these facilities must maintain routine medical examination in conjunction with treatment activities, as well as conduct multiple other health programs.

Beyond workforce shortages, verification of eligible individuals has emerged as another major “bottleneck” directly affecting the program progress. According to Deputy Director of the Department of Health, comrade Pham Minh Huu, resident lists in many localities has not been fully cross-checked with reality, while numerous people have already been examined under other programs. Failure to conduct thorough checks will lead to duplication of individuals, wasting budget resources coupled with undermining data accuracy.

Moreover, updating examination outcomes to electronic health records still faces difficulties due to inconsistent population data in several areas, along with the management software is still being improved, affecting the progress of establishing a nationwide health database.

Elderly people in Tan An ward receiving health check-ups as part of the National Health Check-up Program.

PPC Vice Chairman, comrade Nguyen Thien Van also pointed out that the greatest bottleneck currently lies in the implementation at the grassroots level. Without decisive action from local authorities, maintaining overall programme progress will be difficult.

Encountering the situation, the Standing Board of the Provincial Party Committee has requested that the universal health check-up is identified as a key alongside urgent political task for the entire political system, with a determination to achieve the goal of 100% of eligible citizens receiving at least one free health check-up in 2026.

Local authorities must complete the verification of eligible individuals coupled with mobilize the participation across entire political system. The Fatherland Front, political together with social organizations, village combined with hamlet health workers, and influential individuals need to strengthen propaganda in conjunction with mobilization efforts to encourage community participation; the heads of departments will be held directly responsible if there are delays or errors.

When responsibilities are clearly assigned, local authorities are truly involved, the health sector effectively plays its professional role, together with residents actively respond, the goal of universal health check-ups will not only be achieved in 2026 but will also lay the foundation for building a modern health management system.

Translated by TRINH THUY