Director General Nguyen The Manh working at the Social Security office in Ben Tre province

On the morning of December 15, Director General Nguyen The Manh worked with the Social Security office in Ben Tre province regarding the completion of targets and tasks for the year 2023. From November until now, Director General Nguyen The Manh has held working sessions with nearly 40 provincial and municipal Social Security agencies under the Central Government, providing guidance, urging action, and proposing solutions in revenue collection, development of social insurance participants, healthcare under health insurance, and ensuring the rights of policy beneficiaries.

Through these working sessions, Director General Nguyen The Manh acknowledged the efforts and responsibilities demonstrated by the provinces and cities' Social Security agencies in 2023. Despite facing numerous challenges resulting from the global pandemic, economic downturn, and overall national difficulties, these agencies have made dedicated efforts and demonstrated responsibility, overcoming both nationwide and regional challenges. They have closely followed and earnestly implemented the directives of the local Party committees, authorities, and the VSS. As a result, positive outcomes have been achieved in comparison to the same period last year, with many indicators showing significant improvement.

However, most provinces encountered difficulties in the development of mandatory social insurance participants, voluntary social insurance participants, and household healthcare insurance. The situation of social, health, and unemployment insurance debts also became complex due to the impact of the pandemic and challenging socio-economic conditions. The utilization rate of the budget for healthcare services covered by insurance in some provinces remained high, causing an imbalance.

Overview of the meeting.

In Ben Tre, besides the common difficulties and challenges faced nationwide, the province also confronted specific challenges related to complex climate change, saltwater intrusion, low agricultural product prices, and challenges in the lives of local residents. Enterprises struggled with inefficient production and business operations. In this context, with the close attention and precise guidance from Vietnam Social Security, the Provincial Party Committee, and the Provincial People's Committee, as well as the close coordination of departments and local authorities, the provincial Social Security agency proactively and resolutely implemented a comprehensive set of solutions from the beginning of the year. These efforts have yielded positive results.

As of now, the total number of participants in social insurance in the province is 111,276, reaching 93.73% of the target set by the VSS, and an increase of 1,733 people (1.58%) compared to the same period last year. Specifically, the number of mandatory social insurance participants is 99,597, and voluntary social insurance participants are 11,679. The total number of participants in unemployment insurance is 90,981, reaching 96.92% of the target set by the VSS, and an increase of 487 people (0.54%) compared to the same period last year. The number of healthcare insurance participants is 1,193,467, reaching 97.87% of the target set by the VSS, and an increase of 4,710 people (0.4%). The coverage rate is 91.95% of the province's total population.

Director General Nguyen The Manh emphasized that the sector's goal is not only to meet but to exceed the planned targets, especially regarding the coverage of social insurance and healthcare insurance. This is not just about achieving numerical targets; it is, above all, the sector's responsibility to the people, making efforts to ensure social welfare and guaranteeing citizens' access to these crucial policies. Leaders of provincial Social Security agencies need to be fully aware of this and convey the message to every official, staff member, and worker within their units.

VSS’ Director General Nguyen The Manh's concluding remarks.

Therefore, Director General Nguyen The Manh requested that local Social Security agencies must continually exert the highest determination to fulfill the tasks in 2023. They should be resolute in achieving targets related to social, health, and unemployment insurance. Particularly, the coverage rate of healthcare insurance must be completed and sustained nationwide, reaching over 93% of the population, surpassing the targets set by the Government and the National Assembly.

Regarding solutions, the Director General emphasized that local Social Security agencies should closely adhere to the directives and scenarios set by the sector. However, they need to conduct research, evaluate, and flexibly apply these strategies in accordance with the local situation. There should be an enhancement of the role and activities of directing boards at all levels, resolutely from province to district and commune. Strengthen coordination between the revenue collection department and inspection to efficiently carry out surprise inspections for debt units. Continue to review the efficiency of tax data, coordinate with the police, and closely monitor changes in labor dynamics in the area.

Concerning the development of health insurance, it is crucial to closely follow the sector's scenarios, review groups supported according to Decree 75, and mobilize additional support sources. "We need to determine the development of healthcare insurance participants as not only a target to be achieved but also a responsibility to the people, helping them avoid falling into poverty if they unfortunately suffer from illness or disability," emphasized the Director General.

In the remaining days of 2023, the entire sector will continue to strengthen administrative discipline, financial discipline, and enhance the spirit of service. Provincial and municipal Social Security agencies will develop plans and arrange activities throughout holidays, festivals, and Tet (Lunar New Year), ensuring the best service for citizens, laborers, and businesses./.