VSS and the Danish Embassy sign a memorandum of understanding on  cooperation in HI for the period 2026-2028

Attending the ceremony on the VSS side were Deputy Director General Nguyễn Đức Hòa, along with representatives from several affiliated and subordinate units of VSS. Representing the Embassy of Denmark in Vietnam were Mr. Lasse Pedersen Hjortshøj - Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of Denmark; Mr. Peter Lunding – Health Attaché; Ms. Vũ Phương Lan – Senior Advisor; along with representatives from Novo Nordisk and Danish experts.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Director General of VSS Nguyễn Đức Hòa emphasized that the signing of the MOU for the 2026-2028 cooperation period not only continues the close partnership between two sides established over the past eight years but also affirms their commitment to continued partnership towards the goal of building an effective and sustainable HI system that is people-centered.

According to Deputy Director General Nguyễn Đức Hòa, the year 2026 holds special significance as Vietnam and Denmark will celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations (1971-2026). Over more than half a century, the cooperative relationship between the two countries has been continuously strengthened and developed across many fields. In particular, the cooperation between VSS and the Embassy of Denmark in HI  serves as a vivid testament to the excellent relationship between the two nations.

Since the first MOU on cooperation was signed in 2018, numerous practical collaborative activities have been implemented, meeting the requirements for reform and enhancing the effectiveness of implementing Vietnam's HI policies. With the active support of the Danish Embassy, as well as organizations and businesses like Novo Nordisk and international experts, VSS has gained valuable insights into HI fund management, health economics, non-communicable disease management, and the application of data and digital transformation in the healthcare sector. Training programs, workshops, and expert exchanges have contributed to improving staff capacity, supporting research, refining mechanisms and policies, and modernizing the implementation of HI  policies.

Regarding the prominent results in implementing health insurance policies, Deputy Director General Nguyễn Đức Hòa stated that by the end of 2025, the HI coverage rate reached over 95.16% of the population, thereby achieving the goal set in Resolution No. 42-NQ/TW ahead of schedule. Alongside expanding coverage, VSS has accelerated administrative procedure reform, digital transformation, and the application of information technology across all operational processes. HI Claims Assessment Information System is currently connected to approximately 13,000 healthcare facilities nationwide, contributing to improved efficiency in claims review, payment, and the cost control of HI-covered medical examinations and treatments. Notably, the implementation of new regulations from the Law on HI and Circular No. 12/2026/TT-BTC of the Ministry of Finance has further standardized the processes for reviewing, paying, and settling costs for HI-covered medical services. This has also strengthened the application of information technology, ensuring the safe, efficient, and transparent utilization of the HI fund.

Emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in the new stage of development, Deputy Director General Nguyen Duc Hoa said that VSS looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with the Embassy of Denmark in priority areas, including HI fund management, health economics, digital transformation, health data development, non-communicable disease management, and capacity building for staff. At the same time, VSS stands ready to share with Danish partners Vietnam's experience in expanding HI coverage, developing the national insurance database, and applying digital technologies to and management, thereby contributing to the shared goals of universal health coverage and sustainable development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Lasse Pedersen Hjortshøj, Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of Denmark, noted that healthcare remains one of the highest-priority areas in the development cooperation between Vietnam and Denmark. He added that the health sector will continue to be a key component of cooperation between the two governments in the years ahead.

“This MOU marks an important step forward, paving the way for closer cooperation to enhance the capacity of VSS staff responsible for HI, strengthen management capabilities, and help ensure the sustainability of the HI Fund in providing healthcare and protecting people’s health,” Mr. Pedersen Hjortshøj said.

In agreement with the cooperation directions shared by Mr. Nguyễn Đức Hòa and Mr. Lasse Pedersen Hjortshøj, Ms. Sule Erdim Ersoy, General Director of Novo Nordisk Vietnam, affirmed that the signing of the MOU for the 2026-2028 period will create a foundation for parties to further expand substantive cooperation and leverage the effectiveness of achievements gained in the past. According to Ms. Sule Erdim Ersoy, Novo Nordisk will continue to continue supporting the Danish Embassy and VSS through activities such as sharing international experiences, supporting research, training, enhancing professional capacity, and promoting initiatives in non-communicable disease management, health economics, and digital transformation in healthcare.

At the ceremony, representatives from VSS and the Danish Embassy in Vietnam signed the MOU on cooperation in HI for the 2026-2028 period. This MOU is expected to establish a solid foundation for both sides to continue expanding cooperation substantively and effectively. It will contribute to enhancing Viet Nam's capacity to manage and implement HI policies, while also deepening the Comprehensive Partnership between Vietnam and Denmark.