Vietnam Aims for Over 95.5% Health Insurance Coverage by End of 2026

The People's Committee of Nghe An province in central Vietnam has issued a plan to implement the Central Government's directive on developing health insurance, aiming for universal health insurance coverage. The plan targets over 95.5% of the province's population to be covered by health insurance by the end of 2026. This initiative is part of a broader effort nationwide to expand social security policies. Specifically, over 2 million officials, public employees, civil servants, and members of the armed forces will receive salary increases, and the scope of social security policies will be further broadened. Vietnam is also strengthening international cooperation in the health insurance sector, including collaboration with Denmark. Under Vietnam's one-party system, improving social welfare is a key policy priority for the government, and expanding health insurance coverage is directly linked to the health and stability of the population's lives. Alongside economic growth, the enhancement of the social security net is deemed essential for improving people's living standards. Rectifying disparities in insurance coverage between urban and rural areas, especially in a country with a vast territory and diverse regional economies, is a crucial task for sustainable development. Amidst complex relations with China, strengthening welfare policies to maintain domestic social stability will remain a priority for the government.