Overview of the conference

Attending the meeting were representatives from units under VSS, including the Health Insurance Policy Implementation Department, Electronic Social Insurance & Health Insurance Payment Review Center, and the Office of Vietnam Social Security. The U.S. side included Ms. Michelle Yang, Public Health Advisor at the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy, U.S. Department of State, along with representatives from relevant sections of the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Speaking at the meeting, Mr.Hoa warmly welcomed Ms. Rebecca Bunnell and her delegation, while highly appreciating the practical and effective cooperation outcomes between VSS and U.S. partners over the past period. Emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in the context of globalization - where challenges facing health systems are increasingly complex - he noted that enhanced information exchange, experience sharing, and technical support are key factors in improving policy frameworks, enhancing service quality, and ensuring the effective implementation of health insurance policies. Deputy Director General Nguyen Duc Hoa also expressed his hope that the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam will continue to coordinate in implementing practical activities, thereby strengthening mutual understanding and further deepening cooperation in the development of health insurance policy in Vietnam.

According to Mr.Hoa, from 2015 to date, VSS and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have established and maintained a close cooperative relationship in several important areas such as health finance, implementation of HI in HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis prevention and control programs, development of a sustainable healthcare system, as well as supporting the improvement of management capacity and effective use of the HI fund for medical examination and treatment. The two sides have jointly implemented many valuable initiatives, including researching the application of the Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) payment method, proposing adjustments to the the referral policy for cross-provincial HI access upgrading the management information system, and restructuring healthcare services towards efficiency and sustainability. Cooperative activities have been implemented in a diverse and flexible manner, through forms such as sharing international experiences, policy consultation, organizing thematic seminars, training and fostering human resources at home and abroad, as well as arranging experts to provide technical support. Currently, programs previously supported by USAID are being taken over and continued by…the Health Security Division of the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, demonstrating the long-term commitment of the U.S. Government to supporting Vietnam in building a healthcare system that effectively adapts to new challenges.

Mr.Hoa stated, as the agency organizing the implementation of health insurance policies, VSS plays a pivotal role in ensuring the financial mechanism for the healthcare system. The HI coverage rate currently reaches 95.16% of the population, which is an important foundation towards the goal of universal health care coverage. The HI fund is paying for the majority of technical services, drugs, and medical supplies, covering many key and specific disease groups, thereby ensuring the rights of participants at all treatment levels. The inclusion of treatment services for HIV, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases in the HI coverage not only helps reduce the cost burden for patients but also builds a sustainable "financial shield," contributing to ensuring social security. In addition, VSS also plays an important role in improving policy mechanisms, payment procedures, cost control, and health data management. Cooperation programs with the U.S. have supported improving the efficiency of health finance management, optimizing the spending of the HI fund, and creating a solid foundation for receiving and maintaining health programs after international aid ends.

Speaking at the meeting, Ms. Rebecca Bunnell expressed her sincere appreciation for the warm reception extended by the leadership of VSS, and expressed satisfaction with the positive outcomesof cooperation between the two sides in recent years. She commended Viet Nam’s efforts to expand HI coverage, describing it as a key pillar in ensuring equitable access to healthcare services. The United States looks forward to gaining deeper insights into the implementation of HI policy in Viet Nam, particularly payment mechanisms for HIV and tuberculosis treatment services.

Ms. Rebecca Bunnell proposed that the two sides step up exchanges and regularly update each other on the implementation of activities under the Memorandum of Understanding on health cooperation, while discussing priorities for the period ahead. These include a focus on health data management, information system integration, and identifying areas requiring technical assistance to enhance the effectiveness of HI policy implementation. The United States also reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting VSS through sharing research and experience, thereby contributing to policy refinement and more efficient use of the HI fund.

At the meeting, the two sides discussed and agreed on principles for cooperation based on sustainability. U.S. support programmes, particularly in HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis prevention and control, will focus on research and impact assessment on the HI fund as payment for these services is fully transitioned to the fund, ensuring no financing gaps arise after external assistance ends. The two sides also agreed to continue coordinating support for VSS in developing and improving software for the management of chronic and high-risk infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, thereby enhancing patient management and optimizing resource use. In addition, the United States will continue to support the reform of provider payment methods, including Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG) and capitation, as well as research on developing basic service packages for tuberculosis and HIV treatment at the primary healthcare level.

Concluding the meeting, Deputy Director Nguyen Duc Hoa highly appreciated the technical and financial support provided by U.S. Government agencies in recent years, affirming that VSS will continue to work closely with the U.S. side to effectively implement the contents of the Memorandum of Understanding, ensuring maximum benefits for HI participants, especially vulnerable groups undergoing treatment for HIV and tuberculosis.

Both sides agreed to maintain information exchange, strengthen coordination in technical areas, and further operationalize cooperation activities in the coming period. These outcomes not only help consolidate Viet Nam - United States cooperation in the health sector but also contribute meaningfully to the goal of ensuring social security and improving the quality of healthcare for the In the coming period.