There are approximately 88 million people with health insurance nationwide, accounting for 90.85% of the population and exceeding the target set out through Government Resolution No.01 by 0.15%, according to information released at an online conference of Vietnam Social Security (VSS) held on December 24.

The nation now has approximately 88 million people with health
insurance nationwide, accounting for 90.85% of the population

During his speech at the conference, Nguyen The Manh, general director of VSS, affirmed that recent years has seen the nation’s social insurance sector record a string of remarkable achievements, thereby making an important contribution to the implementation of social progress and equity. Ultimately, these factors ensure socio-political stability in people's lives and sustainable development for the country moving forward.

Despite suffering from the various negative impacts caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic globally, coupled with the frequent occurrence of storms and floods to hit the nation’s central region, the social insurance sector has competently fulfilled the assigned targets and plans set for the year. This can largely be attributed to the close and drastic direction of the Government, along with joint public efforts.

Most notably, social insurance coverage has been expanded to include over 16.1 million participants, reaching 32.6% of the workforce in the working age population. Indeed, the number of voluntary social insurance participants has reached roughly 1.1 million, representing an increase of 494,000, almost double that recorded in 2019.

Furthermore, the whole country has close to 13.3 million people currently with unemployment insurance, accounting for some 27% of the working age population.

Moving into next year, the VSS are set to focus on carrying out key tasks and solutions, with a specific focus on revamping policies, along with reviewing laws on social insurance and health insurance. In addition, VSS will make proposals on amendments and supplements to regulations that are in line with the practical situation, therefore ensuring the legitimate rights and interests of citizens. This will be done whilst effectively implementing new regulations on social insurance and health insurance, all of which are set to become effective as of January 1, 2021.