Public health insurance was discussed at a recent meeting in Da Nang.  The event was jointly organised by the national Party Committee's Economic Commission, and the Viet Nam Social Insurance Agency (VSIA).

People pay fees for treatment at the Cho Ray Hospital in HCM City. (Photo: VNA)

It was reported that there were 69.97 million people with health insurance cards in 2015, representing 76.52% of the population.  As of June 2016, the figure had increased to 72.81 million and 79%.

Last year, 4 localities had less than 65% of their population covered by health insurance, but by June 2016, only one of these, Bac Lieu Province, remained on the list.

Currently, treatment expenses of health insurance holders account for between 70 and 90% of hospitals’ revenue.

The national government targets to ensure that 90% of the Vietnamese population will have health insurance cards.

To realise this goal, improving health insurance policies, medical services and public awareness campaigns are top priorities.

A representative from the VSIA proposed that tougher punishment should be imposed on those who violate the national health insurance law.

(Source: VNA/ Da Nang Today)