People pay fees for treatment at Cho Ray Hospital in HCM City. (Photo: VNA)Da Nang (VNA) – Public health insurance was discussed at a recent conference held by the Party Central Committee's Economic Commission and the Vietnam Social Insurance Agency (VSIA) in the central city of Da Nang.
The function heard that there were 69.97 million people with health insurance in 2015, representing 76.52 percent of the population. As of June 2016, the figure increased to 72.81 million and 79 percent.
Last year, four localities had less than 65 percent of their population covered by health insurance, but by June 2016, only one of these, the Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu, remained on the list.
Currently, treatment expenses of health insurance holders account for between 70 and 90 percent of hospitals’ revenue.
The Government is targeting 90 percent of Vietnamese population obtaining health insurance.
To realise that goal, improving health insurance policies, medical services and public awareness campaigns are top priorities.
A representative from the VSIA said tougher punishment for those who violate the health insurance law is needed.-VNA
