Vietnam's health sector pushes zero-fee hospital treatment for all
The policy is a financial measure to carry profound social significance, promote fairness in access to health services so that no one is left behind.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam’s health sector is pushing plans for zero-fee hospital treatment for all citizens in line with the Politburo's Resolution 72 that sets the direction for strengthening Vietnam’s health care system with a focus on universal health coverage
The Ministry of Health (MoH) is collecting public and expert feedback as it accelerates work on the policy, Minister Dao Thi Hong Lan told the 10th session of the 15th National Assembly in Hanoi this week.
She said Vietnam’s medical network now reaches the commune level and professional capacity has improved across advanced, basic and primary facilities, creating conditions for a universal free-treatment model.
Minister Dao Thi Hong Lan speaks at the National Assembly's meeting on December 1. Photo: MoH
The policy also aims to build a sustainable health care system and reduce the risk that patients delay or skip treatment due to cost, reflecting the humane social policy system and protecting people’s right to health care.
She said the list of medicines and medical equipment covered by health insurance has expanded and is now accessible to all insured patients.
Tran Thi Trang, Director of the MoH’s Department of Health Insurance, said health care costs in Vietnam remain high, with citizens paying about 40% out of pocket.
She estimated that medical expenses not covered by the health insurance fund reach about VND25 trillion ($945 million) each year.
A doctor takes care of her patient at 108 Military Hospital in Hanoi. Photo courtesy of the hospital
It will first cover common conditions, prioritize essential diseases and expand gradually in line with professional requirements and the financial capacity of the State budget and the health insurance fund, combined with social contributions, Trang said.
The policy will follow a clear roadmap, with priority groups and contribution levels set according to the health insurance fund’s balancing capacity and each period’s socio-economic conditions.
On September 9, the Politburo issued Resolution 72 on breakthrough solutions for protecting, caring for and improving public health.
Six days later, on September 15, the Government released Resolution 282, its action program to implement the Politburo’s directive, reaffirming that citizens’ health is the foundation of national development and a top priority of public policy.
The release of these two documents shows the strong political commitment of the Party and the State to strengthening Vietnam’s health system and placing public health at the centre of the national development strategy.
