Ho Chi Minh City, March 10 -- Ho Chi Minh City aims to exempt residents from free basic hospital fees by 2030 under an action programme issued by the municipal Party Committee to implement the Politburo's Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW on breakthrough measures to strengthen the protection, care and improvement of public health.

Under the programme, the southern largest economic hub has set several key health targets to be achieved by 2030. The average height of children and adolescents under 18 is expected to increase by at least 1.5cm, while the average life expectancy of residents is projected to reach around 77 years, including at least 68 years of healthy living.

From 2026, residents will receive free periodic health check-ups or screening...