Over 100 Hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City Offer Free Health Check-ups at Local Clinics; Residents Eagerly Queue Up Early

Ho Chi Minh City residents experienced a significant day of accessible healthcare as 168 ward and commune health stations across the city opened their doors for free health screenings on April 17. This initiative, a collaborative effort involving doctors from over 100 public and private hospitals, aimed to bring essential medical services directly into local communities, prioritizing the well-being of citizens, especially the elderly.

From early morning, long queues formed at various stations, such as those in Trung My Tay, Xuan Hoa, and Long Binh wards. Residents, many over 60 years old, eagerly awaited their turn for comprehensive health checks. The program offered specialized examinations in fields like cardiology, diabetes, hepatitis, and cervical cancer screening. At the Trung My Tay Ward Health Station, for instance, medical professionals from the Ho Chi Minh City Heart Institute provided in-depth cardiovascular assessments, leading some individuals to discover previously undetected heart conditions and receive guidance for further treatment.

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The highlight of the program is that all residents' health information will be updated into the electronic health record system.

For many, like 61-year-old Do Thi Phung, the opportunity for a free health check-up was invaluable. Facing financial difficulties, she had rarely been able to afford regular health screenings. The invitation from her neighborhood organization prompted her to attend early, and she was diagnosed with an abnormal heart condition by a doctor from the Heart Institute. This highlights the program's crucial role in identifying health issues among vulnerable populations who might otherwise forgo necessary medical attention.

The initiative's success was evident in the enthusiastic participation and positive feedback. Many expressed relief and gratitude for the convenience of receiving medical advice and treatment close to home, saving time and effort compared to visiting distant hospitals. The integration of health information into an electronic health record system further enhances the program's long-term impact, ensuring continuous monitoring and follow-up care for residents. This widespread community health event underscores Ho Chi Minh City's commitment to proactive healthcare and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

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These days the weather is hot and humid, going in and out of the air conditioning makes my nose uncomfortable. Coming here to be examined by doctors and given medicine makes me feel more at ease. Normally, if I want to get a check-up, I go to the hospital, but now being able to get checked at the health station near my home is convenient and saves time.