Over 84% of population to have health insurance by 2020

Health insurance is expected to cover 84.3% of the population by 2020, as outlined in a decision signed by the Prime Minister, requesting the People’s Committees of 63 cities and provinces to implement the target.

 

The proportion will be gradually increased by one to three percent in the following years.

 

Several northern localities are expected to have especially high coverage rates such as Dien Bien and Hoa Binh (99%); Tuyen Quang and Lao Cai (98.6%); Ha Giang and Thai Nguyen (98.2%); and Son La (98%).

 

The Government leader ordered the municipal and provincial People’s Committees to direct Departments of Health and relevant units to form plans to realise set targets in line with the respective situations in each province.

 

It is essential to promote awareness campaigns and create favourable conditions for local residents, especially those living in poverty, to register for and benefit from health insurance, the PM noted.

 

He asked localities to encourage and support students as well as middle-income families to purchase health insurance.

 

Vietnam Social Insurance was also urged to co-ordinate with local departments and sectors to disseminate information on the health insurance policy.

 

National health insurance coverage in 2014 reached 71.6% of the population. Vietnam’s health insurance fund has thus far covered medical check-up expenses for a number of patients from disadvantaged families and ethnic minority groups.

 

(Source: nhandan.org.vn)