Especially in Hung Phu Ward, Can Tho City, this was not only a practical social welfare activity; the programme also brought reassurance and practical support to hundreds of households still facing many hardships in life, helping them feel more secure as the Lunar New Year approaches.
Small cards, great value
Emotionally holding the health insurance card he had just received, Nguyen Van Tha, one of the beneficiaries, shared: “Now that I have a health insurance card, I feel much more at ease. Recently my health has not been good, and many times I wanted to go for a check-up but hesitated because of the cost. Now I feel reassured.” His remarks words reflected the common feelings of many people present at the card-giving ceremony.
According to the organisers, Hung Phu Ward was allocated 350 health insurance cards out of a total of 2,016 cards for disadvantaged people across Can Tho City. This activity was part of the programme “Giving Health Insurance Cards to People in Difficult Circumstances to Bring a Warm Tet to the Poor – Spring of the Binh Ngo Year”, launched nationwide by Viet Nam Social Security.
For many households in Hung Phu Ward, most of whom are self-employed workers with unstable incomes, purchasing health insurance cards remains a burden. As living costs continue to rise, medical expenses are a constant concern, especially for the elderly, people with underlying health conditions or families facing prolonged hardship. Therefore, the health insurance cards distributed this time not only carry material value but also serve as a psychological reassurance, helping people feel more confident when facing illness or disease.
Many residents shared that even a single hospitalisation without health insurance could push a family into debt. Meanwhile, a health insurance card enables access to medical examination and treatment services with cost support, significantly reducing financial burdens and life risks.
Chu Manh Sinh, Deputy Director of Viet Nam Social Security, emphasised: “The programme of providing health insurance cards to people in difficult circumstances is deeply humane, demonstrating the spirit of mutual support of our nation and the determination of the social security sector to bring welfare policies closer to the people. In Can Tho City, the 2,016 health insurance cards distributed this time not only help residents reduce medical expenses but also contribute to strengthening public trust in the social welfare policies of the Party and the State.”
The Deputy Director also expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to the sponsoring units that accompanied the social security sector in this meaningful programme. The joint efforts of organisations and enterprises not only provide practical resources but also help spread a sense of social responsibility, towards the goal of inclusive social development.
Community cooperation
The programme received active support and companionship from many sponsors, including Nam Can Tho University Hospital; the Can Tho Branch of the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Viet Nam; the Can Tho Branch of the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade of Viet Nam; the Tay Can Tho Branch of the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Viet Nam; the Can Tho II Branch of the Viet Nam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development; and TKG Taekwang Can Tho Company Limited.
Representing Nam Can Tho University Hospital, Associate Professor, Doctor and Physician Dam Van Cuong stated: “For people in difficult circumstances, just one sudden illness can turn their lives upside down. We wish to accompany the social security agency to ease that burden for the people. The hospital commits to continuing to facilitate access to quality, humane healthcare services through the health insurance policy.”
Meanwhile, Pham Thi Do Bich Le, Head of the Payroll and Benefits Department of TKG Taekwang Can Tho Company Limited, shared: “Our enterprise has always determined that sustainable development must go hand in hand with social responsibility. The health insurance cards presented today are our commitment to sharing and contributing to peace of mind for those still facing difficulties in the community.”
Leaders of the Hung Phu Ward People’s Committee said that the households receiving health insurance cards this time had been carefully reviewed, ensuring the right beneficiaries and genuine needs. Lam Thanh Nhan, Vice Chairman of the Hung Phu Ward People’s Committee, assessed: “This is a very timely and practical gift. In the context of rising medical costs, these health insurance cards are truly a ‘lifebuoy’, helping residents feel more secure in taking care of their health.”
According to Nhan, the programme not only provides immediate support but also helps raise public awareness of the role and significance of health insurance, towards the goal of universal health insurance coverage in line with the Party and State’s guidelines.
Nguyen Thi Thanh Xuan, Director of Can Tho City Social Security, emphasised: “Each health insurance card given today is a piece of human compassion, a source of hope that helps people feel more secure in the face of health risks. We hope the programme will continue to spread, so that more and more people are protected and no one is left outside the social security safety net.”
In the hall that afternoon, images of elderly people carefully putting their health insurance cards into their coat pockets, eyes shining with relief, left a deep impression on attendees. These were small but telling moments, clearly reflecting the humane values of the health insurance policy and the collective efforts of the community.
The programme “Providing Health Insurance Cards for People in Difficult Circumstances” in Hung Phu Ward concluded not only with impressive figures but also with renewed trust and hope for residents on their journey towards healthcare and life stability. In these final days of the year, the health insurance cards truly helped bring reassurance and security to the people here.
