Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long on July 8 chaired a meeting to review the draft resolution by the Politburo regarding breakthroughs in public healthcare to meet national development demands in a new era.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized three major areas covered by the resolution: population issues, preventive healthcare (including environment, nutrition, and physical activity), and medical treatment when illness occurs.

Recalling General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s instruction that the resolution must be strategic, actionable, and groundbreaking, Deputy PM Long stressed: “Avoid abstract theory. It must be feasible, include implementable solutions, and the necessary conditions for execution.”

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Deputy PM Le Thanh Long speaks at the meeting. Photo: VGP

Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan clarified that the new resolution is not a replacement for existing resolutions, directives, or conclusions. Instead, it aims to address new and critical challenges, especially bottlenecks in the current healthcare system. The resolution must correct the common problem of having “good policies but poor implementation” by being highly action-oriented.

According to the draft resolution, the objectives for 2025-2030 include deploying at least 1,000 additional doctors annually to grassroots-level healthcare facilities. The goal is to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses to 30% of total household medical spending.

Beginning in 2026, each citizen will be entitled to one free annual health check-up or screening based on medical necessity and will have a personal digital health record to manage lifelong healthcare.

Looking toward 2030, the resolution aims for Vietnam’s health indicators and essential healthcare service coverage to match those of developed countries. The target is a life expectancy of over 80 years, with more healthy years lived and improvements in physical stature and height among the youth, on par with countries of similar development levels.

Lowering out-of-pocket healthcare costs for citizens

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Illustrative image: Thach Thao

In his feedback, National Assembly delegate Nguyen Anh Tri proposed the establishment of specialized medical centers and emphasized elite, high-quality training for medical residents. He also advocated for enabling private healthcare providers to participate in public services.

Echoing this perspective, Professor Nguyen Van De, Chairman of the Vietnam Private Hospital Association, called for a stronger role for the private sector in healthcare, suggesting incentives such as tax breaks and land access.

Nguyen Huy Ngoc, Vice Chairman of the Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee, noted that although Vietnam’s healthcare system has seen substantial growth, it still faces two core challenges: a shortage of healthcare personnel and limited infrastructure and equipment investment.

“Healthcare workers are paid similar to those in other fields, despite the medical profession’s uniquely demanding nature. Special policies are needed to reflect this,” he said.

Jennifer Horton, Deputy Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Vietnam, praised the draft resolution’s focus on community health initiatives and innovative strategies. She emphasized that a healthy population is critical for any nation.

Horton added that in addition to reforming the mindset of policymakers, it’s essential to change how individuals view personal and family health responsibilities.

She also commended the goal of reducing out-of-pocket healthcare spending, stressing that financial policies must reflect this priority.

In his closing remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long urged a sharper focus on population policy and human health.

Agreeing that health criteria should be integrated into policymaking - especially fundamental policies - he suggested that if such criteria cannot be confirmed immediately, there should be a roadmap to implement them gradually.

He emphasized the need to explore transformative investments in facilities, equipment, compensation systems, and benefits for medical professionals. All proposals must be backed by data. He also advocated for a streamlined two-tier healthcare system at the local level, eliminating unnecessary intermediaries.

Therefore, the resolution must focus on breakthroughs. The accompanying proposal must reassess current policies, results, shortcomings, and root causes, while highlighting new and distinct elements that justify the need for the resolution.

Tran Thuong