In an interview with the press about the resolution’s implementation and the key measures to break long-standing bottlenecks in the healthcare sector, Minister Lan described Resolution 72 as a groundbreaking policy blueprint. It lays the foundation for a stronger, more proactive public health system - one that protects and promotes health rather than merely responds to illness.

According to her, Resolution 72 is grounded in the belief that health is the people’s greatest asset and must be the central goal of service delivery. It also directly addresses long-unresolved structural challenges that have hindered the system for years.

A transformative shift in vision

At the heart of the resolution is a major transformation in how healthcare is conceptualized: from reactive treatment to early-stage, long-range care.

“The emphasis now is on prevention and full-spectrum health management, from early detection to long-term well-being across an individual’s entire life cycle,” said the minister.

“This is a fundamental change in how the health sector will operate in the coming years.”

Three months into implementation, Minister Lan said the Government’s strong directive leadership and close inter-agency coordination had already sparked initial progress. The resolution sets out bold solutions for resource mobilization - from both public and private sectors - while emphasizing the active role of individuals in protecting their own health.

To maximize these resources, the health system will operate under a clear, ten-year national program framework. This will include leveraging the health insurance fund to ensure universal coverage, strengthening the private health workforce, and promoting citizen participation in self-care and public health initiatives.

Funding, policy, and institutional reform must go hand in hand

Minister Lan stressed that ensuring sustainable healthcare financing will require detailed strategies and multisectoral coordination.

“Progress won’t come from health policy alone,” she said. “It will require comprehensive partnerships, legal clarity, and transparency to ensure practical implementation.”

To translate Resolution 72 into law, the Ministry of Health has already submitted proposals to the Government and worked with the National Assembly to draft key legislation - including the Law on Disease Prevention and the Law on Population.

The draft Law on Disease Prevention institutionalizes public concerns from Resolution 72, emphasizing health across the life cycle and putting prevention at the forefront of all health efforts.

The Ministry has also submitted a national healthcare and population development program to guide policy and funding decisions for the next decade, ensuring that financial resources are in place when policies are enacted.

“This is a major undertaking,” said Minister Lan. “But the public expects concrete action, and we are committed to delivering health outcomes for a stronger Vietnam.”

Fixing the workforce bottleneck

One of the most pressing “bottlenecks” cited in Resolution 72 is the critical shortage of skilled health workers.

“Human resources must be treated as a strategic investment,” the minister said. “Medical training must be recognized as a specialized profession.”

She added that the resolution includes key guidelines for reforming the healthcare training system - ensuring tailored education pathways, support policies, and long-term career development, particularly for grassroots and preventive care workers.

A parallel effort will also focus on improving incentives and working conditions to attract and retain talent in underserved areas, especially in commune-level health stations and priority fields like public health.

Strengthening grassroots care and digital transformation

Another core objective is building a strong local health system to support early and accessible care.

In recent months, the Ministry has completed essential work to strengthen health services at the grassroots level. This includes redefining the role and expanding the function of local clinics, which has been met with strong public support.

Minister Lan revealed that new policies are being drafted to improve salaries, incentives, and career development for healthcare professionals across all levels - with priority given to preventive medicine and commune-level staff.

On the technology front, Resolution 72 has accelerated Vietnam’s push toward digital health transformation.

Minister Lan said her ministry is rapidly rolling out electronic medical records, personal health apps, national health data platforms, and AI integration for scientific research.

“By combining domestic resources with global innovation, we can significantly strengthen our healthcare capabilities,” she noted.

“Digital transformation isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about bringing care closer, making it smarter, and ensuring that every citizen has access to better, safer, and more effective health services.”

Huong Quynh