The implementation of universal health insurance is very necessary to ensure health for all members of the public in the long run, heard a seminar in Ho Chi Minh City on March 10.

More than two-thirds of the people nationwide have engaged in the health insurance since 2010. About 30 percent – mainly low-income earners – have yet to join the network as they cannot afford the fee, said Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Law Committee Dang Dinh Luyen.

He suggested the State increase its budget to support these people with health insurance cards.

Takeshii Kasai, World Health Organisation (WHO) Chief Representative in Vietnam , stressed the importance of universal health insurance, saying it reflects the State’s care for their citizens and social equality.

Compulsory health insurance is the key to taking care of people from all walks of life, said WHO Regional Director in Asia-Pacific Shin Young Soo.

Vietnam is striving to extend health insurance coverage to 80 percent of its total population by 2020.-VNA