Meanwhile, the grassroots healthcare system and long-term community-based care services remain limited in capacity. Recognizing these challenges, the provincial health sector has implemented various programs for regular medical examinations and comprehensive health monitoring, particularly screening campaigns for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders.

Public awareness activities on elderly healthcare have been strengthened through close coordination among relevant agencies, departments, and social organizations. These include regular communication sessions at commune and ward health stations; events held on Vietnamese Elderly Day (June 6) and International Day of Older Persons (October 1); and the maintenance of Elderly Clubs and Intergenerational Self-Help Clubs. Health education and population policy messages are also integrated into local club activities via a network of collaborators and community loudspeaker systems.

The province has focused on the timely and full implementation of preferential policies for elderly citizens, especially those from poor or near-poor households, those without family support, or those with severe disabilities. Every year, the health sector cooperates with related agencies to review and issue free health insurance cards, exempt or reduce hospital fees, and organize free medical checkups and medicine distribution for the elderly in accordance with regulations.

Responding to the Action Month for the Vietnamese Elderly 2025, the provincial Department of Health has directed healthcare facilities to organize activities aimed at improving elderly healthcare, with special attention to disadvantaged and lonely individuals. Hospitals and medical centers have been requested to enhance the quality of reception, examination, and treatment services, ensuring that the elderly receive attentive care and are not required to share hospital beds. At the same time, efforts have been made to strengthen chronic disease management, post-treatment rehabilitation, and home-care guidance. The health sector also encourages the combination of modern and traditional medicine, and the use of non-pharmaceutical treatment methods suitable for elderly patients’ conditions.

At the grassroots level, commune and district health centers have launched integrated communication and regular health screening campaigns, while also creating personal health records for elderly citizens. For those with disabilities or without family support, healthcare workers make home visits or coordinate with local authorities to provide transportation for medical care. In addition, the provincial Center for Disease Control has promoted communication on population aging and the right to health care for the elderly, in collaboration with the Elderly Association through the program “Bright Eyes for Older Persons.”

Mr. Nguyễn Châu Sơn, Head of the Population and Children Division under the Department of Health, emphasized: “The Action Month not only helps older people access better health services but also raises public awareness about the shared responsibility to care for, respect, and promote the role of the elderly. The results of the program will be compiled and submitted to the Department of Health by October 25, 2025, serving as a basis for assessing effectiveness and proposing future healthcare solutions for the elderly.”

Điện Biên province is entering a demographic aging stage, with over 9% of its population aged 60 and above. Therefore, to ensure effective elderly healthcare, it requires not only the health sector’s efforts but also the joint participation of all levels, sectors, families, and society. It is essential to strengthen leadership and coordination in elderly healthcare, prioritize investment in medical services for seniors, and enhance public awareness of health, especially health in old age.