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The Ministry of Health has recently issued a document requesting the People's Committees of provinces and cities to direct the synchronized implementation of activities to care for the health of the elderly during the Action Month for the Elderly in Vietnam in 2026.
Accordingly, localities need to coordinate with the Association of the Elderly and related organizations to promote communication about the right to healthcare, the benefits of regular health check-ups, early detection of diseases, management of non-communicable diseases, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The Ministry of Health recommends prioritizing elderly people from poor and near-poor households, those with difficult circumstances, those who are lonely, disabled, living in remote areas, ethnic minority areas, and areas with limited access to healthcare services.
Local health authorities proactively develop plans and allocate resources to organize regular health check-ups and free screenings in accordance with policies and roadmaps approved by competent authorities and current regulations. Commune-level health stations play a crucial role in assessing health, identifying risk factors, managing chronic diseases, and referring patients to higher-level facilities when necessary.
The examination content should be appropriate to the age and health condition, focusing on cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, musculoskeletal disorders, cognitive impairment, mental disorders, and visual and hearing impairments.
In addition, localities are requested to implement the "Bright Eyes for the Elderly" program, organizing examinations, consultations, and screenings for common eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. Elderly people in difficult circumstances need support in accessing specialist examinations, treatment, cataract surgery, and visual rehabilitation when indicated.
The Ministry of Health also requested strengthening the establishment and updating of electronic health records; managing chronic diseases in the community; providing guidance on safe medication use, nutrition, exercise, fall prevention, and mental health care. For elderly people who are lonely, seriously ill, or have limited mobility, local authorities should organize examinations, consultations, or support care at their residences as prescribed.
Local authorities are simultaneously strengthening the training of healthcare workers in geriatrics, allocating resources and mobilizing legal funding, prioritizing vulnerable elderly groups. Healthcare activities for the elderly will be maintained regularly, not only during the 2026 Vietnam Elderly Action Month.
Source: https://vtv.vn/bo-y-te-de-nghi-tang-cuong-cac-hoat-dong-cham-soc-suc-khoe-nguoi-cao-tuoi-100261003102737008.htm
