Introduction and significance of Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW
On September 9, 2025, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW on several breakthrough solutions to enhance the protection, care, and improvement of the people’s health. This is a milestone strategic document, creating a new vitality for the healthcare sector. The focus of the Resolution is a strong shift from a model focusing only on treatment to proactive disease prevention from afar and early on, with continuous health management. At the same time, the Resolution aims to build a fair, quality healthcare system, ensuring all citizens have access to comprehensive healthcare services.
Objectives of improving physical condition and life expectancy
One of the core objectives of the Resolution is to significantly improve the physical condition and quality of life of the people. Specifically, the healthcare system strives to increase the average height of children and adolescents (from 1 to 18 years old) by at least 1.5 cm. In addition, the target average life expectancy of the population is to reach 75.5 years, of which the number of healthy life years must be at least 68 years. This requires tremendous and synchronized efforts in nutrition, physical training, and living environment improvement.
Objectives regarding preventive medicine and health management
To realize the policy of prevention is better than cure, the Resolution sets a target to maintain the vaccination rate of vaccines in the Essential Immunization Program constantly above 95%. Notably, starting from 2026, every citizen will receive periodic health check-ups or participate in free screening programs at least once a year. Concurrently, electronic health records will be established to manage health throughout the life cycle for each individual. These solutions will help detect diseases early, provide timely interventions, and minimize the burden of disease.
Objectives of consolidating the grassroots healthcare network
Grassroots healthcare is identified as the solid foundation of the national healthcare system. Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW sets the goal that 100% of commune-level health stations will be comprehensively upgraded in terms of facilities, medical equipment, and human resources. By 2027, each commune health station is expected to have at least 4 to 5 doctors. By improving the capacity of the lower levels, the rate of medical examination and treatment using health insurance at commune-level health stations is expected to increase to over 20%, contributing to reducing the overload for upper-level hospitals.
Objectives regarding health insurance and healthcare finance
To ensure social security, specific milestones are established for health insurance policies. By 2026, health insurance coverage is expected to reach over 95% of the population and progress toward universal coverage (100%) by 2030. More importantly, by 2030, citizens will gradually be exempted from basic hospital fees within the scope of health insurance benefits according to a roadmap. Furthermore, the diversification and development of health insurance types are also encouraged to enhance the financial protection mechanism for patients.
Strategic vision to 2045
Looking to the future, the Resolution sets a vision that by 2045, Vietnam will successfully build a modern, equitable, efficient, and sustainable healthcare system, prioritizing disease prevention. The average life expectancy of the people is expected to exceed 80 years, of which the number of healthy life years will reach over 71 years. To achieve this aspiration, the healthcare sector needs to continuously innovate, apply digital transformation, and develop a highly qualified workforce.
Center for Support & Continuing Education