Japan and Vietnam cooperate in improving health insurance system

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Ministry of Health (MOH) and Vietnam Social Security (VSS) signed the Record of Discussion of Technical Cooperation Project on “Development and strengthening the management of provider payment methods and basic health service package reimbursed by Health Insurance Fund in Vietnam” in Hanoi on July 11. 

The Project will be implemented for 2 years from October 2017. Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and universal health insurance are targets set by the Vietnamese Government in the “National Strategy for Protection, Care and Improvement of People's Health in the period of 2011- 2020 with vision to 2030”.

In order to achieve these targets, one of the essential health financial solutions is to apply an appropriate health insurance system. Currently, the coverage of health insurance reached 81.7% of Vietnam’s population, while half of them are the poor and other groups whose insurance is paid by the State budget.

About 20 million Vietnamese people have not yet enrolled in health insurance and many of them are disadvantaged or have difficulties in life. The major challenge is how to provide necessary and sufficient healthcare services to all Vietnamese to increase enrollment rate while maintaining financial sustainability of health insurance system.

Under the Project, Japanese experts and Vietnamese counterparts will focus on identifying the optimal provider payment method, developing the benefit package based on situational analysis, improving Health Insurance Claim Review Information System and increasing the enrollment in social health insurance. The optimal payment method should contribute to improve healthcare quality, ensure equitable payment among healthcare service providers and increase the effectiveness of management and use of the health insurance fund.

MOH has established the National Advisory Council on Health Insurance Policy (the Council) in August 2016 based on Japan’s model with the participation of representatives of MOH, VSS, health service providers and users. The principal function of the Council is to advise the Health Minister to make decisions on directions, policies, major projects on health insurance issues. The project also aims at refining the functions of the Council.

S.Thuong

Other News

Vietnam steps up implementation of ethnic affairs strategy through 2030

Vietnam steps up implementation of ethnic affairs strategy through 2030

To accelerate the implementation of the the Ethnic Affairs Strategy by 2030, with a vision toward 2045, the Prime Minister requested ministries, agencies and local authorities to continue thoroughly carrying out the Party and State’s policies on ethnic affairs, enhancing the effectiveness of State management and strengthening oversight of policy implementation.

Security preparations reviewed for APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc

Security preparations reviewed for APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc

The team examined the APEC 2027 Convention Centre, where main conference activities are scheduled; Sun Serenia Hospital, designated to provide healthcare and emergency medical services for delegates; provincial road DT.975, which connects Phu Quoc International Airport to the convention centre; and the area surrounding Phu Quoc International Airport.

Hanoi accelerates seven Red River bridge projects, many exceed 70% completion

Hanoi accelerates seven Red River bridge projects, many exceed 70% completion

According to the municipal Transport Construction Investment Project Management Board, the city is simultaneously implementing seven projects, namely Tu Lien, Ngoc Hoi, Tran Hung Dao, Thuong Cat, Van Phuc, Hong Ha and Me So bridges. Construction is being carried out on multiple fronts, focusing on bored piles, pile caps, piers and superstructure works.

Dien Bien battlefield legacy powers tourism revival

Dien Bien battlefield legacy powers tourism revival

Seventy-two years after the Dien Bien Phu Victory, its legacy still reverberates. The unity, self-reliance, and resilience forged in that historic triumph remain a powerful internal engine, now propelling Dien Bien toward fast and sustainable development.

Hanoi accelerates shift to green buses, targets 100% by 2030

Hanoi accelerates shift to green buses, targets 100% by 2030

In the 2027–2030 period, the city will accelerate the transition towards the complete phase-out of fossil fuel-powered buses. The share of electric and green energy-fueled buses is projected to reach 79–89% by 2029 and 100% by 2030.

36 fishermen safely rescued after boat breaks down near Truong Sa

36 fishermen safely rescued after boat breaks down near Truong Sa

At 8:00 the same day, KN475 began towing the disabled fishing boat toward Da Tay A island. The towing operation was carried out safely, and by 18:30 both the vessel and its crew had arrived at the island without incident, where repairs and additional support procedures were arranged.

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Held in response to the launch of the Vietnamese Language Day among overseas Vietnamese communities, the event aimed to enhance the quality of Vietnamese language teaching and learning in Laos while contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Held in response to the launch of the Vietnamese Language Day among overseas Vietnamese communities, the event aimed to enhance the quality of Vietnamese language teaching and learning in Laos while contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

Hanoi launches 10 electric bus routes from April 1

Hanoi launches 10 electric bus routes from April 1

By the end of April, the number of buses using electricity and other green energy sources in the city is expected to reach 822, including 683 electric buses and 139 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, representing 42.1% of the total number of vehicles.