Gov’t determines to achieve universal health insurance

Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The PM chaired a meeting on March 4 with Deputy PMs Vu Van Ninh and Vu Duc Dam and other relevant agencies and ministries to listen to the implementation of the Law on Health Insurance and the Master Plan for Universal Coverage in the 2012-2015 phase, with an orientation to 2020.

PM Dung asserted that the universal health insurance is a major guideline of the Party and State and it is meaningful and crucial to citizens’ health and lives, especially poor and disadvantaged ones, as it will help them get access to fundamental healthcare services.

He hailed achievements in health insurance coverage, improvements in medical examination and treatment, and the quality of healthcare services in Viet Nam.

The PM asked ministries, agencies and localities at all levels to launch effectively specific action plans and programs to implement universal health insurance as set forth as well as completing mechanisms and policies to facilitate all citizens' participation in health insurance.

PM Dung required the Ministry of Health to propose plans to encourage the establishment of private hospitals, accelerate the socialization and application of science and technology in medical treatment and examination and produce medicines.

By the end of 2014, the universal health insurance covered 71% of the total population, exceeding the target set in the Master Plan for Universal Coverage but failing to meet the National Assembly's target.

By Thuy Dung