Vietnam/ The MoH draws up a roadmap for free basic healthcare

The Ministry of Health (MoH) is working on a plan to gradually introduce universal free basic healthcare, with the aim of eliminating out-of-pocket costs for essential medical services covered by health insurance by 2030, officials said.

This proposal, conceived in three phases, is part of a broader effort to alleviate the financial pressure on households and strengthen social protection in the long term, in the face of steadily rising healthcare costs linked to an aging population and changing epidemiological profiles. long-term, in the face of steadily rising healthcare costs linked to an ageing population and changing epidemiological profiles.

According to the draft roadmap, from 2026 to 2027, Vietnam will prioritize free annual check-ups for all citizens, implemented by target groups and according to a progressive prioritization process. During this period, low-income households and people aged 75 and over receiving a social pension will be entitled to full reimbursement of medical care covered by health insurance.

From 2028 to 2030, the focus will be on reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses to 30% or less, while increasing health insurance reimbursement rates and extending coverage. Preventive health services will be progressively integrated, a measure the authorities consider essential to improving public health and reducing treatment costs in the long term.

Beyond 2030, the health sector aims to introduce universal health insurance coverage, paving the way for free care for all citizens as part of a basic healthcare basket. Its extension will depend on the State's budgetary capacities and the balance of the national health insurance fund.

Trân Thi Trang, Director of the Department of Health Insurance at the Ministry of Health, said that an adjustment of health insurance contribution rates is necessary, independently of the introduction of a free care system.

Health insurance premiums in Vietnam remain relatively low compared to the actual costs of treatment", she said, pointing out that the growing burden of chronic diseases has resulted in higher out-of-pocket expenses for patients.

Currently, 11 categories of people already benefit from full coverage of their medical expenses under the national health insurance scheme. For the other categories eligible for 80-95% reimbursement, the fund covers 100% of costs in certain specific cases, in accordance with current regulations.

Health officials see the proposed roadmap as a significant step towards universal health coverage, aligning Vietnam's social security policies with international development goals and public health standards.

Source: lecourrier.vn/