Implementation of the National Criteria for commune health stations in Can Tho City during 2023–2024 and perspectives for 2025 onward

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the implementation of the National Criteria for Commune Health Stations (CHSs) in Can Tho City during 2023–2024, and to analyze advantages, disadvantages, opportunities and challenges for the implementation from 2025 onward.

Methods: A mixed-method study was conducted from March to November 2025. Quantitative data on the 47 indicators stipulated in Decision No. 1300/QD-BYT were obtained first from official reports of 80 CHSs in the former Can Tho City. After that, nine in-depth interviews (IDI) were conducted with leaders of the Department of Health, professional divisions, commune-level People’s Committees, and heads of CHSs to collect data for the second objective.

Results: All CHSs met 7/10 of the National Criteria, regarding accessibility, water and sanitation, and waste management. Doctor coverage was high (96.3%); however, only 62.5–63.8% of CHSs met staffing quantity and professional structure. Infrastructure standards were largely achieved, with 93.8% of CHSs meeting land area and construction criteria. Information technology application was limited, with 61.3– 68.8% of CHSs fully applying health management software. Persistent challenges related to human resource shortages and imbalances, post–COVID-19 equipment degradation, complex procurement procedures, fragmented information systems, and limited digital capacity. The two-tier local government model presents opportunities and challenges for improved coordination and system integration.

Conclusion: CHSs in Can Tho City generally meet the National Criteria. However, human resource optimization, workforce structure reform, digital transformation, and information system integration should be prioritized to achieve the national criteria of CHS quality.