Vietnam Aims for Universal Free Hospital care by‍ 2045

HANOI (AP) —‍ Vietnam is setting its sights on providing free hospital care for all citizens by 2045, a move officials say underscores the nation’s ‍commitment to public health and social equity. The aspiring plan,‍ discussed at a goverment meeting in April 2025, envisions a phased implementation, starting with expanded health insurance coverage and culminating in a system where citizens face no out-of-pocket costs for⁣ medical treatment.

Expanding Access and Reducing Financial Burden

According to the Ministry ⁤of Health, the initiative is projected to significantly improve⁢ access to‍ medical services, enabling earlier diagnosis and ⁤treatment. This, in turn,⁤ is expected to improve treatment outcomes and optimize the use ⁣of medical resources. A ⁢key benefit will be the reduction of financial strain on individuals and families, potentially lifting many out of poverty.

“Investing in health will bring a very valuable result,” stated a Health vice Minister,⁣ emphasizing⁣ the ⁢long-term strategic importance of the policy.

Key Goals and Timelines

The plan includes several key milestones:

• Ensuring 100% of the population receives annual health checkups.
• Providing⁣ basic medical care⁤ to 90% of the ⁤population between 2026 and 2030.
• Achieving 90% ‍vaccination rates through complete disease prevention services.
• Equipping every citizen with an electronic ⁣health record for lifelong health management.

The government also aims ⁢to⁤ guarantee food⁣ safety, promote reasonable diets, and ensure that vulnerable ⁤populations, including the elderly, disabled, and underprivileged,⁤ receive adequate social care.

Financial Strategies

Securing financial resources ‍for ⁤public health ⁣is a priority. The government plans to increase investment in health insurance, aiming for 100% coverage. This ‍includes expanding the ‍scope of health insurance benefits to cover‍ disease prevention, screening, and early diagnosis. The goal is to⁣ reduce the⁣ burden of medical expenses on individuals, with a target of lowering ‍out-of-pocket health expenditures to less then 20%⁣ of total health spending⁤ and reducing health insurance⁤ cost deductions to below 10%.

Legislative and Regulatory Steps

The⁤ ministry of Health⁤ is drafting a decree to enforce the Health Insurance Act, providing guidance and clarifying details regarding health insurance premiums, benefits, and coverage levels. This decree, expected to be implemented from July 1, 2025, aims to promote universal health ⁣insurance ⁢coverage.

Additionally,the ministry is working on regulations ⁢for medical technology,drugs,and equipment covered under⁢ health insurance,with a focus on increasing coverage and payment rates for certain essential items.

Roadmap for Implementation (2026-2035)

The implementation roadmap includes:

• Expanding basic health service package benefits from 20% to 30% of the base salary⁣ between 2026 and 2030.
• Increasing coverage for regular health check-ups and ‍early disease detection ⁤to 100% for specific risk groups.
• Studying and submitting ⁣proposals for gradually increasing benefits to different population segments.
• Analyzing payment rates for technology services, medicines, and medical equipment for various socioeconomic groups.
• Establishing ⁢screening‍ and⁣ treatment funds,reserve funds,and support funds for severe diseases.

The government also plans to integrate national target programs with health insurance to improve efficiency and prevent waste. ⁤Strict controls will be ‍implemented to prevent abuse and ensure resources are used effectively.

By 2035, a comprehensive revision of the Health Insurance act is planned, aiming to create a sustainable and stable framework for ⁤universal free medical care.

The Health Vice Minister emphasized that this initiative‍ is not just about health goals but about prioritizing⁣ the well-being of the Vietnamese people and ensuring a⁣ sustainable future for the nation.

May 6, 2025