The National Assembly is discussing policies to reduce healthcare costs and waive hospital fees for citizens.
On December 2nd, the National Assembly discussed in the plenary session the draft Resolution on some breakthrough mechanisms and policies for the protection, care, and improvement of people's health.
This resolution aims to institutionalize Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW, dated September 9, 2025, of the Politburo on a number of breakthrough solutions to strengthen the protection, care, and improvement of people's health.
The draft Resolution, comprising seven articles, was developed based on a review of current obstacles, difficulties, and shortcomings in the healthcare sector, with the goal of addressing breakthrough and strategic issues.
Regarding policies aimed at reducing healthcare costs for citizens, the government proposes that from 2026, people will receive free periodic health check-ups or screenings at least once a year, based on target groups and priority schedules.
These activities will be coordinated with health check-ups for students, occupational disease examinations, health check-ups for workers as prescribed, and medical examinations and treatment under health insurance, aiming to ensure free medical examinations and the completion of the creation of electronic health records for all citizens. The government will identify appropriate funding sources to carry out these tasks.
Regarding funding, periodic health check-ups will be covered by businesses for their employees as per regulations, the Health Insurance Fund, and the State budget. Of this, the State budget will prioritize funding for priority groups, estimated at approximately 6,000 billion VND per year, which may gradually increase depending on the balance of funds. Funding for free screening is expected to come from the National Target Program on healthcare, population, and development for the period 2026-2035.
Regarding the exemption of hospital fees within the scope of health insurance benefits, the draft Resolution proposes implementation according to a roadmap, in line with socio-economic development conditions. Specifically, from 2027, those belonging to near-poor households and elderly people aged 75 and above who are receiving social retirement benefits will be entitled to 100% health insurance benefits.
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In addition, the draft Resolution submitted to the National Assembly allows for the pilot implementation of diversifying health insurance packages, including supplementary health insurance based on people's needs.
At the same time, the draft resolution also proposes policies on the salary and allowances for medical staff; specialized training in the health sector; and preferential solutions regarding land, taxes, and finance.
On the same working day, the National Assembly discussed in the plenary session the investment policies for two National Target Programs: Healthcare, Population and Development for the period 2026-2035; and Modernization and Improvement of the Quality of Education and Training for the period 2026-2035.
