Ho Chi Minh City healthcare and kidney disease welfare

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Council has approved new social welfare policies to improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations. A primary measure provides 100% coverage for health insurance co-payments for patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease requiring regular hemodialysis or continuous peritoneal dialysis. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 692 priority individuals, including children, the elderly in difficult circumstances, and households that have recently escaped poverty.

To support local healthcare, the city is deploying 81 doctors from major hospitals to local health stations and providing financial support for medical staff rotating to commune and ward-level centers. Additionally, 12-month health insurance cards will be provided to voluntary blood donors who meet specific donation frequency requirements.

In a related context of kidney health, a 24-year-old man in the city was recently diagnosed with end-stage renal failure, requiring dialysis three times per week. The patient attributed his condition to long-term lifestyle habits, including insufficient sleep and daily consumption of soft drinks.