Over 84 percent of population to have health insurance by 2020

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

By the end of 2015, as much as 75.4 percent of the population will have health insurance.

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 percent); Tuyen Quang and Lao Cai (98.6 percent); Ha Giang and Thai Nguyen (98.2 percent); and Son La (98 percent).

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

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

He asked localities to encourage and support students and middle-income families to buy health insurance.

The Vietnam Social Insurance was also urged to coordinate with local departments and sectors to disseminate information on the health insurance law.

The national health insurance coverage in 2014 reached 71.6 percent. Vietnam’s health insurance fund has thus far covered medical check-ups expenses for a number of patients from disadvantaged families and ethnic minority groups.-VNA