Hanoi provides free screening for 12 common diseases for people

This is the 2026 universal health care plan of the Hanoi Department of Health. People’s Committees of communes and wards review and compile a list of people for regular health check-ups and free screening in the city.

According to a dispatch from the Department of Health sent to localities on June 10, the screening program focuses on 12 common diseases and risk factors, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), breast cancer, cervical cancer, oral cavity cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and mental disorders related to alcohol use.

Screening plans are implemented according to each age group and risk factors to detect diseases early in the community. Specifically, women between 30 and 49 years old are screened for cervical cancer; Women from 40 to 70 years old get breast cancer screening. Men over 45 years old are screened for early detection of oral cancer, and men between 50 and 69 years old are screened for prostate cancer.

People 50 years of age and older are screened for colorectal cancer. People aged 40 years and older are assessed for risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. People 45 years of age and older are screened for diabetes.

In particular, all people aged 18 years and older are assessed for risk of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or alcohol use disorders.

According to a representative of the Hanoi Department of Health, the goal of the free screening program is to early detect common non-communicable diseases, cancer and mental disorders, thereby providing timely intervention, reducing the risk of complications, improving quality of life and reducing the burden of disease for the community.

Recently, the Hanoi People’s Council approved a policy to support the cost of treating myopia of 3 diopters or more for young people. Accordingly, in early July, the city supported refractive error treatment fees for the 18-35 year old group with myopia of 3 diopters or more. This policy applies to permanent residents or temporary residents of 12 months or more in the capital. The amount paid is based on service prices set by public medical facilities.

Thus, Hanoi is the second locality in the country to organize free health checks and screening for common diseases for people.

Previously, since mid-April, Ho Chi Minh City has deployed people 18 years of age and older to be screened for diseases and have electronic health records created for free. This plan will be carried out in turn in many areas from now until the end of the year.

Across the country, the Ministry of Health proposes to organize periodic health checks or free screenings from 2026, prioritizing disadvantaged groups before expanding to the entire population. This proposal was included in the draft by the Ministry of Health The Decree details and guides the implementation of a number of articles of the Law on Disease Prevention, is being consulted. This is a step to concretize Resolution 72 of the Politburo, the goal of all people having free periodic health checks, moving towards free basic hospital fees by 2030.