At an online briefing held on March 17, VSS reviewed the implementation of policies on social insurance, health insurance and unemployment insurance, alongside proposing solutions for the months ahead.
VSS Director General Le Hung Son noted that, despite a volatile operating environment in 2025, the system had adapted flexibly, implemented synchronised measures and met or exceeded numerous targets, contributing to the finance sector and national social security. This positive trend has continued into early 2026.
By the end of February, the number of social insurance participants reached 21.56 million, an increase of 36,000 year-on-year. Of these, 19.05 million were compulsory contributors, while 2.51 million participated voluntarily. Unemployment insurance covered 17.1 million people, up 119,000, and health insurance enrolment rose to 96.75 million, up by 863,100 compared with January.
Total collections for social, health and unemployment insurance reached 87.3 trillion VND (3.32 billion USD) in the first two months, fulfilling 12.8% of the annual target. Late payments stood at 19.6 trillion VND (745.13 million USD), accounting for 2.88% of receivables.
Benefit payments were delivered in a timely manner, ensuring participants’ rights. More than 12,800 people began receiving monthly social insurance benefits, while over 101,000 received lump-sum payments.
In addition, more than 1.1 million sickness claims and over 201,000 maternity benefits were processed. Some 79,000 individuals received unemployment support, and over 27.5 million health insurance-funded medical visits were recorded, with total spending exceeding 23 trillion VND (874.39 million USD).
Despite these gains, challenges remain, including delayed policy advisory work in some localities, inefficient data utilisation and pressure on IT infrastructure due to large volumes of medical data.
Son called for stronger leadership, innovation and closer coordination with local authorities to ensure effective policy implementation and sustainable system development.
