The initiative will take place on April 5 at 64 wards and communes, offering tens of thousands of residents convenient access to healthcare services close to their homes.

The programme is held in response to World Health Day on April 7 and is part of the city’s broader plan to provide health screening for all residents in 2026. The initiative aims to ensure that nearly 15 million local residents receive at least one health check each during the year.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, examination sites will be set up at local health stations to improve accessibility, particularly for residents in outlying areas.

The screenings will focus on common diseases, especially non-communicable conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases that are among the leading causes of death and chronic complications.

Residents will also be offered screening for several common cancers, including breast, cervical and thyroid cancer. Additional services will cover early detection of conditions related to eye health, ear, nose and throat, dentistry, mental health and musculoskeletal disorders, providing a comprehensive overview of individual health status.

In paediatrics, Children’s Hospital 1, Children’s Hospital 2 and Children’s Hospital of Ho Chi Minh City will jointly conduct screenings for congenital heart disease and childhood obesity – the two health issues that have been on the rise and require early detection for timely intervention.

Health authorities said that, beyond free screenings, residents will receive medical consultations, lifestyle guidance and referrals for further treatment if necessary. All examination data will be integrated into a health management system, contributing to the gradual development of electronic health records for each citizen.

The publication of specific ward- and commune-level locations is expected to help residents better plan their visits.

The city’s health sector considers the programme a key activity in strengthening primary healthcare and enhancing the role of grassroots medical services in community health management, thereby reducing pressure on higher-level hospitals.

The initiative also represents a concrete step in Ho Chi Minh City’s broader policy of universal health care. From 2026 onward, the city aims to maintain annual free health check-ups and screenings, moving toward a more equitable, efficient and sustainable healthcare system.

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