Social and health insurance policies should be enhanced: Deputy PM

A speaker addresses the conference in Hà Nội. VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Anh

HÀ NỘI Deputy Prime Minister Lê Minh Khái stressed the importance of the review and amendment of the Social Insurance Law to create a comprehensive legal framework.

He was speaking yesterday during the conference on the implementation of social insurance and health insurance tasks in 2024,

According to Khái, Việt Nam’s social insurance sector closely follows the Party’s guidance and the national master plan 2021-2030.

The sector proactively identifies and addresses emerging issues in policy and law implementation, such as proposing improvements to social insurance, health insurance and unemployment insurance policies.

Cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs is crucial in drafting the amended Health Insurance and Social Insurance Laws, to be submitted during the 7th session of the National Assembly in 2024.

Khái also urged continuous refinement of the organisational structure and workforce quality within the Việt Nam Social Security (VSS) organisation, specifically financial discipline, administrative efficiency, and leadership responsibilities.

The VSS must also focus on collecting contributions in accordance with regulations, expanding coverage, and implementing measures to reduce overdue payments. Khái emphasised the use of information technology to prevent fraud and highlighted the need for effective fund management.

Additionally, the sector should streamline administrative procedures, expand online public services, accelerate digital transformation and align databases with the government’s Project 06 for effective implementation.

Khái commended the efforts of VSS in 2023, acknowledging the comprehensive coordination with ministries, committees and local authorities. He highlighted the involvement of provinces in incorporating social insurance coverage targets into their development plans.

Despite economic challenges affecting workers’ incomes, VSS successfully fulfilled its tasks: financial and asset management tasks were conducted transparently, contributing to the fulfillment of fund-related tasks and the development of social insurance, unemployment insurance, and health insurance.

Health insurance policies were systematically implemented, with control over the health insurance fund to ensure timely payments and prevent exploitation. In 2023, VSS covered around 174.8 million health examinations and treatments, with an expenditure of around VNĐ124.3 trillion (US$5 billion).

VSS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security, led Project 06, making breakthroughs in management. The sector effectively applied digital technology, reviewed administrative procedures and maximised convenience for the public and businesses.

Deputy Prime Minister Lê Minh Khái urged relevant ministries and sectors to study solutions within their jurisdiction and propose amendments to social insurance, unemployment insurance, health insurance, and related laws. He emphasised the completion of national databases to enhance accuracy, transparency, and efficiency in administrative procedures.

Local People’s Committees were directed to coordinate closely with the Social Insurance Agency in implementing policies and including targets for developing social insurance, unemployment insurance and health insurance participants in local development plans. VNS