Bringing doctors closer to the people

One of the key measures adopted by the provincial health sector is the temporary rotation of medical personnel to commune- and ward-level health stations to provide professional support.

Provincial hospitals, specialized medical centers, and district health centers have assigned doctors and healthcare professionals to work directly at grassroots facilities, where they provide medical examinations and treatment, transfer technical expertise, and offer on-site training for local healthcare workers.

Since the beginning of the year, the sector has carried out 890 personnel rotations, including 146 assignments from provincial hospitals and specialized centers and 744 from district health centers.

According to Phạm Giang Nam, Director of the Department of Health, the rotation policy helps strengthen human resources and improve professional capacity at lower levels of the healthcare system. “Many medical techniques that were previously available only at higher level facilities have now been transferred to commune health stations, enabling them to better meet local healthcare needs. This reduces unnecessary referrals and helps ease overcrowding at upper level hospitals,” he said.

For many residents, the presence of doctors and medical staff at local facilities has brought significant benefits by making healthcare services more accessible.

In Nậm Kè commune, a border-area locality, the commune health station has a staff of 15 healthcare workers and provides medical examinations and treatment for 15-20 patients per day.

Dr. Đèo Văn Hoàn, Head of the Nậm Kè commune Health Station, shared: “Recently, two doctors from the provincial level were assigned to support our station. Their assistance has significantly improved our professional capacity. Many cases that previously had to be referred elsewhere can now be diagnosed and treated locally. At the same time, our staff receive direct guidance, which has increased their confidence and competence.”

Experience has shown that in mountainous provinces like Điện Biên, bringing doctors closer to local communities is a practical solution. It enables residents to access healthcare where they live, receive timely diagnosis and treatment, reduce the risk of complications, and avoid costly medical care, thereby easing the healthcare burden on families.

Free medical checkups reduce financial pressure

Alongside efforts to strengthen grassroots healthcare, the provincial health sector has expanded free medical examinations, treatment, and health consultation programs in line with Resolution 72.

Since 24 April 2026, hospitals and health centers throughout the province have organized at least two free healthcare days each month on weekends, while also increasing mobile outreach services at commune health stations and village locations. These programs bring healthcare services closer to residents, particularly ethnic minority communities in remote highland areas, making access easier and reducing travel requirements.

Priority is given to elderly people, poor and near-poor households, individuals with meritorious service to the nation, persons with disabilities, and residents without health insurance.

According to the Department of Health, since the program began, nearly 170,000 people have received free medical examinations, treatment, or health consultations across the province.

Beyond reducing healthcare expenses, the initiative has also raised public awareness about preventive healthcare. Many residents who previously avoided medical checkups due to concerns about cost are now taking a more proactive approach to regular health screening.

Lò Văn Phanh, a resident of Pú Nhung commune, said: “In the past, even when I wasn’t feeling well, I often hesitated to see a doctor because of the cost and the long distance. Now that free checkups are available in my commune, my family and I regularly monitor our health. It’s convenient, affordable, and gives us peace of mind.”

Regular health screenings and early disease detection are critically important. Many illnesses can be treated more effectively and at significantly lower cost when identified at an early stage.

According to Dr. Hà Thị Phương Thảo, Deputy Director of the Điện Biên Phủ Medical Center: “Through free medical examinations and consultations, people gain earlier access to healthcare services, allowing diseases to be detected and treated promptly. This is a practical solution that helps reduce treatment costs while supporting the goal of improving healthcare quality under Resolution 72.”

In addition to deploying doctors to local facilities and maintaining free healthcare services, the provincial health sector is restructuring its healthcare system in accordance with Resolution 72. Under the reform plan, commune and ward health stations are being strengthened and assigned additional responsibilities in preventive medicine, population services, and health communication. Health centers are being reorganized to operate in a leaner and more efficient manner. Grassroots healthcare facilities are being given greater autonomy and responsibility.

These changes are expected to improve the quality of primary healthcare services and make healthcare more accessible and convenient for local residents.