HCM City suggests further assistance to COVID-19-hit old persons, orphans
HCM City (VNA) – The Ho Chi Minh City Department of
Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs on November 16 sent a document to the
municipal People’s Committee suggesting more assistance for lonely older people and orphans affected by COVID-19 in the city.
Accordingly, they will receive health insurance cards, travel
pass cards used on public transport means, and entrance tickets to
entertainment and cultural areas, sport clubs, and other paid services
free-of-charge.
The poor and lonely old persons aged above 60 are expected to
receive 1 million VND (43.4 USD) each per month while those aged above 80 are
eligible for 800,000 VND each monthly till the end of their life.
The lonely poor and old persons aged 60-80 who are capable of self-catering
will receive 650,000 VND each monthly while those who are not poor are eligible
for 480,000 VND till their death.
Children who become orphans caused by the pandemic will be
allowed to pursue study till high school level for free. Orphans aged under
four will receive 1 million each per month while those aged above four will
obtain 800,000 VND till they reach 18.
To ensure fairness and equality for all orphans in general and
orphans caused by COVID-19, the department proposed providing additional
480,000 VND each for 1,413 orphans who are receiving social subsidies in the
community till they turn 18.
Statistics from the department showed that among 1,413 orphans
aged under 18 caused by the pandemic, 66 lost both parents and 19 newborns lost
their moms. Over 400 senior citizens lost their children or caregivers to the
pandemic./.