Africazine:
Ho Chi Minh City is making strides in its universal health checkup program, aiming to enhance healthcare access for its residents.
As of 2 p.m. on August 10, the city has provided health checkups and created electronic health records for 1,996,410 residents, which is 15 percent of the program’s target. The weekly number of examined individuals surged from 30,000–40,000 to 300,000–400,000 over the past three weeks.
Health Checkup Program Gains Momentum
The universal health checkup program in Ho Chi Minh City has seen significant progress recently. The increase in weekly health checkups reflects a growing commitment to public health. The five localities with the highest participation include Dong Thanh Commune with 9,906 people, Long Hai Commune with 9,116, and Tan Thoi Hiep Ward with 9,048.
Despite the overall success, some areas are lagging. Two wards reported health checkup coverage rates below 5 percent, with Ben Thanh Ward at 3.34 percent and Ban Co Ward at 4.86 percent. This highlights the need for targeted outreach in these communities.
Strategies for Improving Coverage Rates
The municipal Department of Health is taking proactive steps to address low coverage rates. Localities with underperforming rates are encouraged to review resident lists and enhance communication efforts. They are also advised to arrange convenient examination times and locations, including after-hours checkups.
In contrast, areas with high coverage rates are urged to identify and reach out to specific population groups that may still lack access, such as older individuals and those with disabilities. This ensures that the program remains inclusive and effective.
Next Steps for Health Checkups
- Continue reviewing lists of residents who have not received checkups.
- Enhance communication and outreach efforts in low coverage areas.
- Arrange convenient times and locations for examinations.
- Organize after-hours checkups when necessary.
- Identify and reach out to specific population groups in high coverage areas.
Ho Chi Minh City’s health checkup program is advancing, but efforts must continue to ensure all residents are served.
