Health insurance discussed in Da Nang

NDO/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.

Illustrative image.
Illustrative image.

The function heard that there were 69.97 million people with health insurance in 2015, representing 76.52% of the population. As of June 2016, the figure has increased to 72.81 million, or 79%.

Last year, four locales had less than 65% 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 for health insurance holders account for between 70% and 90% of hospitals’ revenues.

The Government aims for 90% of the Vietnamese population to obtain health insurance.

To realise that goal, improving health insurance policies, medical services and public awareness campaigns are top priorities.

A representative of the VSIA said tougher punishment for those who violate the health insurance law is needed.