The screening, diagnosis and treatment of hypertension and diabetes at all commune health stations in Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

The study was conducted to describe experience in implementing and scaling up screening, diagnosis, and treatment of hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) at in all commune health stations (CHS) in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). This mixed-methods study included a desk review of project data and 36 in-depth interviews (IDI) using semi-structured IDI guides with stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, World Health Organization, and the city’s health sector at all levels, and collaborators and clients. From 2016-2020, the model expanded from 5 CHSs of 1 district to 294 CHSs in 23 districts across HCMC. The model screened for almost 100,000 clients and attracted 11.170 new clients to receive treatment of HTN and DM at CHSs. Enabling factors include: 1) Interventions are in the line with national health policies and direction, 2) the model is integrated well into government health systems, 3) the interventions are suitable to CHS structure and technical capacity, 4) health staff and managers are confident with AH interventions, and 5) clients are satisfied with services they received. The study showed difficulties relating to human resources, financing/insurance, and information system in health. The model of HTN and DM screening, management, and treatment at CHSs is feasible and can be implemented at scale in HCMC.