Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and metabolic disorders are becoming a health burden globally as well as in Vietnam. To respond effectively, the National Assembly passed the Law on Disease Prevention No. 114/2025/QH15, in which Chapter III (from Article 27 to Article 30) specifically stipulates measures for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. This is an important legal basis, shifting the approach from treatment to active prevention that every medical staff member needs to master.

Innovation in health examination and screening policies

One of the breakthrough points of the 2025 Disease Prevention Law is the regulation in Article 27 regarding the rights of citizens in accessing preventive health services. For the first time, it legalizes the regulation that citizens are entitled to periodic health checks or free screening policies at least once a year. This policy is implemented according to a priority roadmap and specific target groups prescribed by the Government.

To ensure feasibility, the Law has diversified funding sources. Besides the responsibility of employers and the state budget, the Health Insurance Fund and especially the Disease Prevention Fund will play a key role in paying for these activities. This is a major step forward in helping to detect diseases at an early stage, minimizing the burden of treating severe complications later.

Comprehensive control of risk factors

According to Article 28 and Article 29, the strategy for non-communicable disease prevention and control focuses not only on pathology but also strongly attacks risk factors. The Law clearly classifies three main groups of risk factors needing control:

• First is the group of factors related to behaviors and lifestyles unfavorable to health, such as smoking, alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, and lack of physical activity.
• Second is the group of risk factors due to metabolic disorders, including hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and overweight/obesity.
• Third is the group of risk factors due to environmental pollution.

The prevention and control of the harmful effects of tobacco, alcohol, and environmental pollution will be implemented synchronously with corresponding specialized laws. For medical staff, the key task is health counseling and education so that people change their behaviors, thereby minimizing the risk of disease.

Community-based disease management model

Article 30 of the Disease Prevention Law establishes a community-based non-communicable disease management model associated with grassroots healthcare. For people at risk of disease, intervention measures include early detection, counseling, monitoring, and prophylactic treatment. For those who have already contracted the disease, the focus shifts to management, controlling risk factors that aggravate the disease, and preventing complications.

The responsibility for organization and implementation is assigned to both the preventive medicine system and the medical examination and treatment facilities. This requires close coordination between levels, ensuring patients are monitored continuously and throughout their lives, right where they live. The Minister of Health will promulgate detailed professional guidelines, serving as a guideline for clinical and preventive activities at the grassroots level.

Conclusion

Chapter III of the 2025 Disease Prevention Law marks an important turning point, affirming the direction of prioritizing active prevention strategies. Mastering and applying these contents into practice is how each medical staff member demonstrates dedication to the profession, joining hands to protect health and increase longevity for the community against the challenge of non-communicable diseases.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. La Ngoc Quang – Center for Support & Continuing Education