Since April 24, the Điện Biên health sector has implemented the free health examination and consultation program at medical facilities and within the community, following the spirit of Politburo’s Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW on strengthening the protection, care, and improvement of people’s health. Each month, hospitals and health centers organize at least two free examination days on Saturdays, while ramping up mobile examination drives at commune health stations and villages. This approach brings medical services closer to the people, allowing upland ethnic minorities to easily access healthcare without traveling far. The program prioritizes the elderly, poor and near-poor households, people with meritorious services, people with disabilities, and individuals who have not yet participated in health insurance.

Positive impacts in upland communes and grassroots communities

In the upland commune of Sính Phình, a free health examination drive held over two weekend days (May 30–31) attracted 507 resident turns. In addition to organizing examinations at the commune Health Station, three groups of doctors and nurses were assigned to perform duties directly at local villages. Residents in the areas of Tả Phìn, Trung Thu, and Sính Phình were able to access medical services right where they live.

Giàng Thị Sày, 71 years old, residing in Tào Pao village, who was examined during this drive, expressed that because of her advanced age, her health has seen many changes. Knowing that doctors came directly to the village to examine and advise her made her feel very reassured. The doctors also guided her on how to monitor and care for her health to prevent diseases and maintain better well-being.

The free health examination and consultation program was simultaneously deployed by the Thanh An commune Health Center across all six commune health stations under its management. More than a dozen doctors from the Center, along with commune-level health staff and supporting forces from the provincial level, directly examined local residents. At the Thanh Nưa commune Health Station, where the free health examination and consultation program was held for the first time, many residents from various villages and hamlets within the commune arrived early in the morning to register.

Lò Thị Xương from Pe village shared that she used to go for a medical check-up only when falling ill. Now that upper-level doctors have come directly to the commune, she took the opportunity to get a health check-up and receive advice on proper disease prevention and healthcare. For Lò Thị Vinh from Món village, this examination drive helped her better understand her health condition. Aside from the diabetes she is currently treating, she received advice from doctors on a proper diet and rest schedule suitable for her condition, alongside guidance on undergoing specialized check-ups at higher levels for an appropriate treatment path.

Doctor Lò Ngọc Hoàng, Deputy Head of the Thanh Nưa commune Health Station, assessed that Thanh Nưa commune currently has 73 villages and hamlets. Organizing free health examination and consultation drives right at the grassroots level with support from upper-level doctors helps residents access medical services more conveniently, especially the elderly and those living in villages far from the commune center.

Participating in supporting the weekend examinations in Thanh Nưa, Dr. Đinh Danh Sáng, Head of the Obstetrics - General Surgery Department at the Điện Biên provincial Traditional Medicine - Rehabilitation Hospital, stated that the majority of residents coming for check-ups suffer from chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders. Through health examinations, doctors can early detect disease symptoms, advise and guide residents to perform necessary paraclinical tests, and transfer cases requiring specialized interventions to higher lines for treatment.

Measurable outcomes and long-term health benefits

During the two days of May 30–31, the entire province organized 87 free health examination points with the support of 64 provincial health officials at 33 commune and ward health stations. The program’s contents included clinical examinations, ultrasounds, electrocardiograms, and health and nutrition consultations. As a result, nearly 12,000 residents received free health check-ups and consultations.

Among them, 21 cases were indicated for inpatient treatment and 778 cases for outpatient treatment. Medical facilities detected 187 new cases of chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes, identified more than 5,000 people with other illnesses, and ordered paraclinical services for 3,463 cases.

Prior to that, from April 24 to May 25, medical examination and treatment facilities in the province provided free health check-ups and consultations for more than 2,000 turns of people, detecting 122 new cases of chronic diseases and 468 cases of other acute and chronic pathologies.

These initial results show that the policy of providing free health examinations and consultations is exerting practical efficiency. Residents can access medical services more conveniently, detect illnesses timely, and cut down on travel costs, particularly in remote, isolated, and border areas. Bringing health examination and consultation activities directly to the grassroots level contributes to narrowing the gap in healthcare access among different regions, ensuring that people receive timely healthcare.