Free health check-ups for 1,000 older people

October 03, 2016 - 10:49

Some 1,000 people aged 50 and over received free health check-ups, including tests for blood fat levels, abdominal ultrasound and general medical checks at An Sinh Hospital in HCM City’s Phú Nhuận District over the weekend.

Some 1,000 people aged 50 and over received free health check-ups, including tests for blood fat levels, abdominal ultrasound and general medical checks at An Sinh Hospital in HCM City’s Phú Nhuận District over the weekend. — Photo giaoducthoidai.vn

HCM CITY — Some 1,000 people aged 50 and over received free health check-ups, including tests for blood fat levels, abdominal ultrasound and general medical checks at An Sinh Hospital in HCM City’s Phú Nhuận District over the weekend. 

Organised by the hospital and Nestle’s Nutren Optimum brand, the programme marked International Day of Older Persons on October 1.

According to the United Nations, Việt Nam entered an aging period in 2011 and is among the most rapidly ageing countries in the world.

According to the Ministry of Health, the number of people over 60 will make up 18.3 per cent of the national population by 2030, doubling the 2015 figure.

The national population survey last year pointed out that only 4.8 per cent of elderly Vietnamese enjoy good or very good health, while as many as 65.4 per cent are weak or very weak.

More worrisome, their access to health care services is limited as 26.1 per cent do not hold any kind of health insurance. — VNS

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