Vietnam health officials investigate patient death at Ba Ria hospital and expand citywide health screenings

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health has formed an inspection team to examine the procedures surrounding a patient’s death at Ba Ria General Hospital. The team will review admission, diagnosis, treatment and care records, convene a specialist council with experts from top hospitals, and determine the cause of death and any responsibility, with a report due by June 10.

In Da Nang, the city health department is rolling out a program of free, periodic health examinations for all residents in 93 communes, wards and special areas, beginning July 1, 2026. The initiative includes screenings for children under six, free medical care for island communities, and the use of an electronic health‑record system linked to national databases to detect non‑communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and cancer early and reduce treatment costs.