Resolution 72 specifies the path for sustainable healthcare development. (Photo: VGP)

Signed on September 9, 2025 by Party General Secretary To Lam, Resolution 72 is an urgent measure and a long-term strategic roadmap aimed at enhancing the physical, intellectual, and mental well-being of the Vietnamese people in a new era of development.

Strategic vision

By centering on the people’s health, Resolution 72 embodies a strategic mindset: people are both the goal and the driving force of development. At the early state of drafting the resolution, the Party Chief emphasized that the resolution must be action-oriented and transformative, avoid being too theoretical and ensure feasibility through clear solutions and conditions for implementation.  

General Secretary To Lam emphasized that Resolution 72 must be strategic, action-oriented and breakthrough. (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac)

The Party leader said: “Prevention is the key. Grassroots system is the foundation. And the people are the center. Its aim is to increase healthy life expectancy, cut patients’ costs, digitize health systems, strengthen primary healthcare, and improve service quality and patient satisfaction.”

In this spirit, Resolution 72 defines broad directives that go beyond meeting immediate medical needs and aim at comprehensive healthcare, covering prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, mental health support, and physical development. This reflects a shift in understanding that health means not only the absence of disease but as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long says the Resolution embraces strategic, comprehensive, immediate and long-term significance, and is highly action-oriented. (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac)

Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long said: “The resolution continues the Party’s longstanding perspective on public health but with more specific highlights to transform both awareness and action. The ultimate goal is a strong and prosperous Vietnam where every citizen enjoys healthcare access and proactively prevents illness, an essential contribution to national development in the new era.”

Solutions and actions

Resolution 72 sets out specific tasks and solutions including strengthening preventive healthcare, primary health services, and traditional medicine, renewing the service mindset toward patients; prioritizing early treatment of critical illnesses; ensuring sustainable use of the health insurance fund; building robust healthcare data infrastructure; and encouraging private sector participation in healthcare.

A key milestone begins in 2026 that all citizens will be entitled to free health check-ups, once a year. Health insurance coverage is targeted to exceed 95%, and 100% of commune-level health stations will receive comprehensive investment in infrastructure and staffing.

Associate Professor Dr. Dao Xuan Co, Director of Bach Mai Hospital, said: “I think 100% of Vietnamese people are happy about free health check-ups and  health insurance paying hospital fees which are included in the Resolution. The strategy to strengthen primary healthcare and expand medical staffing at the commune level is an exceptionally important and well-focused policy. It ensures that local healthcare workers can care for residents, places people at the heart of the system, and allows them to access essential services directly within their own communities. In my view, this is a highly sound and well-conceived approach.”

Resolution 72 is expected to create far-reaching impacts. In the socio-economic aspects, a healthier population will provide a high-quality workforce, boosting productivity and national competitiveness. In terms of social security, equitable access to healthcare strengthens social justice and public trust in the political system. From a security perspective, a resilient healthcare system fortifies Vietnam’s ability to respond effectively to epidemics, natural disasters, and crises.

Resolution 72 underscores Vietnam’s strong commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. It represents not only a domestic responsibility but also an outward-facing message that Vietnam is a humane nation that places people at the heart of all policies.