This question is currently at the center of attention in the 10th session of the National Assembly, as it deliberates the draft Law on Disease Prevention. In the spirit of “investing in preventive healthcare is investing in the future and national strength,” the delegates have emphasized the need to build a robust “shield” that protects the health of the people early and proactively.
Affirming that preventive healthcare (PHC) is the foundation of the national healthcare system, Delegate Tran Khanh Thu (Hung Yen) emphasized: “Preventing disease is always more effective and less costly than treating it.”
To ensure that this foundation is truly robust, many delegates suggested that the Law on Disease Prevention should clearly define the organizational structure of a unified and coordinated PHC system from the central to the local level. The role of commune- and ward-level health stations in the primary healthcare network also needs to be clarified.
An urgent requirement is to establish a unified vertical command mechanism for the preventive system. Delegates analyzed that, without unified command, disease prevention efforts are easily disrupted, citing the “breakdown in the vaccine procurement process in 2022” as an example.
ManProviding a profound perspective, Delegate Nguyen Anh Tri (Hanoi) argued that the Law on Disease Prevention should be constructed as the “Constitution of Health” – or a “national defense law for life and the nation’s progeny.”
According to the delegate, the current draft law still focuses primarily on infectious diseases. Meanwhile, the growing health burdens of non-communicable diseases (such as cancer and stroke), mental disorders, and genetic diseases are not yet fully addressed.
The delegate proposed codifying national policies on disease prevention for these conditions, citing the example: “Effective prevention of congenital hemolytic disorders yields economic benefits more than 2,000 times higher than treatment.” He also suggested developing a national stroke prevention protocol and strengthening measures to prevent injuries, accidents, and drowning.
The delegates agreed that to have a strong healthcare system, it must begin with “disease prevention”.
Delegate To Ai Vang (Can Tho) proposed that the law ensure sustainable resources by allocating at least 30% of the total healthcare budget to preventive healthcare. These resources should focus on expanded immunization, management of chronic diseases, mental health, and school health programs.
In addition to budgetary allocations, policies for human resources are also crucial. The delegate recommended introducing preferential allowance policies for preventive healthcare personnel, especially frontline staff at the local level – those who are “on the frontline but often face many disadvantages compared to the treatment sector.”
Also according to Delegate To Ai Vang, the law should replace the concept of “children” with “vulnerable groups” (including the poor, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, the elderly, etc.) to ensure that all disadvantaged populations have early access to basic preventive services.
Digital transformation is also recognized as a key pillar for modernizing disease prevention efforts. Delegates emphasized that the Law on Disease Prevention should include clear provisions on health data and electronic health records; a digitized epidemiological surveillance system; and the application of technology in monitoring mental health, nutrition, and living environments.
The goal is to establish an early warning system that identifies risks at the community level. Delegates stressed that digital health transformation must be supported by funding and a clear roadmap, “not merely remain a slogan”.
The completion of the Law on Disease Prevention with the vision of a “health defense” demonstrates the strong determination of the National Assembly and the Government to place preventive healthcare at the center.
However, the state’s efforts alone are insufficient. The preventive healthcare “shield” will only be truly robust when “every citizen becomes a soldier on the disease prevention front.” Alongside institutional improvements, each individual must raise awareness: receive full immunization, undergo regular health check-ups, carry out early screening for serious diseases, and adopt a healthy lifestyle - for a healthy Viet Nam that is proactive against all risks.
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