To continuously update prominent guidelines, policies, and activities of the healthcare sector, providing a foundation for healthcare facilities and practitioners to grasp and implement, the Ministry of Health has issued vital drafts and plans in March 2026. The content focuses on population health, food safety regulations, and community health promotion initiatives.
Proposed List of 90 Conditions for Prenatal and Neonatal Screening, Diagnosis, and Management
The development and promulgation of the Circular detailing the list of congenital anomalies requiring prenatal and neonatal screening, diagnosis, and treatment is a crucial advancement in preventive medicine. The Circular aims to specify the congenital disorders recommended for screening, proposing a comprehensive clinical list of up to 90 conditions. This establishes a robust legal and clinical framework for medical institutions during the implementation of genetic counseling and screening services. Furthermore, it serves as a fundamental basis for local health authorities to allocate funding and expand screening coverage for populations based on regional socioeconomic conditions.
The Circular is designated to apply to three primary groups. First, licensed healthcare facilities are equipped with adequate infrastructure, medical devices, and specialized personnel to perform the clinical services. Second, pregnant women and neonates utilizing these healthcare services (including both voluntary participants and state-subsidized beneficiaries). Third, regulatory authorities are involved in the administration and oversight of the national screening program.
Amendments to the Law on Food Safety: A Paradigm Shift in Regulatory Oversight
On March 18, the Ministry of Health convened a strategic meeting to review and finalize the policy dossier for amending the Law on Food Safety. The cornerstone of this legislative update is the paradigm shift in regulatory management from “reactive enforcement” to “proactive risk prevention and mitigation”.
The session addressed five central policy domains: supply chain management grounded in risk assessment, consolidation of the state regulatory apparatus into a single focal point, enhancement of post-market surveillance, rigorous regulation of food additives, and the promotion of a high-standard food industry. Ministry of Health leadership underscored the urgency of these amendments to rectify current systemic limitations, directing relevant departments to expedite the drafting process, conduct in-depth research on post-market auditing, and align with international regulatory standards.
Preparations for National Universal Health Day Towards a Healthy Vietnam
On the morning of March 18, 2026, the Ministry of Health reviewed the operational plan for the inaugural “National Universal Health Day” (scheduled for April 7, 2026), themed “Proactive disease prevention for a healthy Vietnam”.
The campaign will feature a series of large-scale public health interventions, including mass calisthenics, the “For a Healthy Vietnam” marathon, complimentary health screenings, the official launch of the National Nutrition Portal, and a live national broadcast emphasizing the message “Healthy Citizens – Prosperous Nation.” This milestone event plays a pivotal role in elevating public awareness regarding physical activity in alignment with Resolution 72-NQ/TW. The Ministry of Health has mandated all units to prepare meticulous protocols, ensure seamless logistics, and prioritize the clinical safety of delegates representing vulnerable populations.
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