Việt Nam Aims for Free Hospital Care and Stronger Disease Prevention

Deputy Prime Minister Lê Thành Long reaffirmed Việt Nam’s commitment to providing free hospital services and regular health check-ups as part of the government’s efforts to improve citizens’ quality of life.
During a meeting with Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Western Pacific Regional Director, Deputy PM Long highlighted the importance of continued collaboration with WHO in areas such as policy advice, workforce training, health policy communication, and disease prevention. He also emphasized that public health is a shared responsibility of the entire political system, with a focus on reducing hospital visits through preventive care.
Acknowledging ongoing health system reforms, Long confirmed that the network of commune health stations remains intact and that a new Politburo resolution aims to bring significant breakthroughs in public health. Dr. Piukala praised Việt Nam’s vision to gradually reduce healthcare costs for citizens, targeting universal free hospital care between 2030 and 2035.
The WHO Regional Director also welcomed recent public health measures, including increased taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and sugary drinks, a ban on e-cigarettes, and recognition of Việt Nam’s leadership through the World No Tobacco Day Award. Both sides pledged to strengthen technical cooperation to further enhance the health and well-being of the Vietnamese people.