Illustrative image (Source: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – More than 2.8 million elders across the country are receiving retirement pensions and social insurance benefits, while more than 1.5 million others benefit from monthly social allowance, according to the Vietnam National Committee on Aging (VNCA).
So far, 481,619 senior citizens have been given eye examinations. Of these, 84,105 got free treatment worth 103.5 billion VND (4.6 million USD), the committee said, adding that all elders have received full allowances as scheduled.
The Vietnam Social Insurance (VSI) was requested to coordinate with the Vietnam Association for the Elderly and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee to build a plan to increase social insurance coverage among older citizens.
The trio have also to work together to promote the implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution 21-NQ/TW, enhancing the Party’s leadership in social insurance and health insurance between 2012 and 2020.
The VNCA proposed the Government consider providing monthly social allowances for the elderly from poor households and those between 60 and 79, as well as those 75 and older in ethnic minority groups and extremely disadvantaged areas.
According to a 2015 list from the World Bank, Vietnam has an aging population. The number of people over 65 in Vietnam is forecast to increase from 6.3 million to 18 million by 2040, accounting for 18 percent of its population.-VNA
