Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra has signed Decision No. 1116 approving the National Programme on Healthcare for Older People through 2030.
Hanoi is piloting a voluntary daytime care model for older people at Thach Ban Health Station (Photo: Manh Quan).
Under the programme, from 2026, older people will be entitled to free annual health check-ups or screening examinations at least once a year. Individual health records will also be established to support ongoing monitoring and care.
By 2030, the government aims for at least 90 per cent of older people to be screened, treated and managed for non-communicable diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and dementia.
The programme also sets a target for 90 per cent of communes, wards and special administrative zones to establish at least one elderly care club and one volunteer team dedicated to supporting older residents by 2030.
Another key objective is for at least 20 per cent of communes, wards and special administrative zones to pilot and develop daytime care centres for older people by the end of the decade.
In addition, by 2030 all provinces and centrally governed cities are expected to have at least one socially operated elderly care facility. Every locality nationwide is also expected to have either a geriatric hospital or a general hospital with a dedicated geriatric department.
Decision No. 1116 calls for the development and implementation of several care models, including daytime care centres for older people, age-friendly communes, wards and special administrative zones, and various forms of elderly care facilities with a long-term goal of expanding socialised service provision.
The programme also promotes the use of information technology in elderly care services, including digital platforms, social networks and internet-based support systems.
Under the decision, the Ministry of Health will lead implementation efforts in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and other relevant ministries and agencies. The ministry will be responsible for developing plans and allocating personnel and resources to carry out the programme nationwide.
