The resolution states that the total central and local budget revenues are VND739.132 trillion (over US$32.63 billion) and VND672.568 trillion, respectively.
The total expenditure of the central budget is VND1,087,032 billion, of which VND359.982 trillion is earmarked for supplementing the budget balance and the local budget.
Before passing the resolution, the NA heard Chairman of its Finance-Budget Committee Nguyen Phu Cuong presenting a report explaining the revision of the draft resolution on central budget allocation for 2022 based on received feedback.
Cuong said a large number of comments suggested increasing the expenditure on health, particularly regarding COVID-19 prevention and control, grassroots healthcare, and preventative medicine.
The NA Standing Committee said that although the state budget still encountered difficulties and the central budget revenue in 2021 is expected to be lower than expectation, the allocation for the health sector, especially on pandemic prevention and control, has always been the top priority.
It is expected that in the central budget allocation for 2022, allocation for health care will be much higher than the level in 2021, including about VND10 trillion to be spent on benefits for those working on the frontline against the pandemic and on purchasing drugs, vaccines, and medical equipment and supplies.
In order to ensure social security and support the poor and vulnerable people amid pandemic-caused difficulties, the central budget allocation plan for 2022 will set aside over VND89 trillion for social security expenditure. If including allocations worth VND43.293 trillion from the local budget for the same purpose, the total state budget allocation for this field makes up some 11.9% of the total regular expenditure of the state budget.
