Deputy General Director Nguyen Duc Hoa

Attending the session were representatives from the leadership of several VSS departments; from the U.S. side, there were representatives from USCC, the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, and several large domestic and international corporations.

Over the past years, VSS and its U.S. partners have maintained effective cooperation in many areas such as health finance, enhancing the efficiency of HI fund utilization, innovating payment methods, and applying information technology in management. Technical support, international experience sharing, and human resource training have contributed significantly to the process of policy improvement and modernization of the HI system in Vietnam.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy General Director Nguyen Duc Hoa expressed his pleasure at welcoming Mr. John Goyer and the delegation, while affirming that VSS always values and highly appreciates the support of U.S. partners, particularly their practical contributions to policy improvement and institutional capacity building. Mr.Hoa emphasized that, as Vietnam accelerates comprehensive healthcare reform toward a more equitable, efficient, and sustainable system, VSS hopes to continue receiving valuable policy recommendations and international experience from the U.S. business community.

He noted that VSS will keep focusing on major priorities, including improving payment mechanisms in a more transparent manner, gradually adopting advanced reimbursement models, accelerating digital transformation, and increasing investment in preventive healthcare. VSS also stands ready to closely cooperate with partners to study, pilot, and implement initiatives suited to Vietnam’s practical conditions. “We believe that, with the strong foundation of cooperation and the support of international partners, including the U.S. business community, Vietnam’s HI system will continue to develop toward a more modern, transparent, efficient, and sustainable model, thereby better safeguarding people’s healthcare benefits,” said Mr.Hoa.

Mr. John Goyer, Executive Director for Southeast Asia at the USCC, said he was impressed by Vietnam’s progress in expanding HI coverage and improving public access to healthcare services. Drawing on his extensive experience in promoting policy dialogue, removing investment barriers, and connecting the U.S. business community across Southeast Asia, he believed Vietnam is on the right track toward building an inclusive and sustainable healthcare system.

Mr.Gyoer stated: “We highly appreciate Vietnam’s efforts in building a universal HI system and the central role played by VSS in ensuring equity in healthcare. This serves as an important foundation not only for social security but also for strengthening the confidence of the business community and investors.” He also affirmed that U.S. businesses are ready to support Vietnam by sharing international experience, particularly in areas such as value-based payment models, efficient cost management, and the application of digital technologies in healthcare, especially as the Vietnamese Government continues to advance healthcare reform under Resolution 72.

During the meeting, both sides engaged in in-depth, candid, and highly technical discussions on core issues related to the HI system. Discussions extended beyond general orientations to specific operational mechanisms, ranging from policymaking to implementation.

One key issue that drew particular attention was the improvement of HI payment procedures toward greater transparency, consistency, and predictability. The U.S. side noted that establishing clear criteria based on scientific evidence and clinical practice would enhance management efficiency while creating a stable environment for healthcare providers and businesses to proactively plan service delivery.

The two sides also held extensive discussions on the transition from fee-for-service payment models to value-based payment systems. U.S. businesses shared international experience demonstrating that linking reimbursement to treatment quality and patient health outcomes not only helps optimize costs but also reduces complications, improves treatment effectiveness, and protects the sustainability of HI funds in the long term. This approach is also aligned with Vietnam’s ongoing research into reforming healthcare payment methods.

Regarding preventive healthcare, both sides agreed that increasing reimbursement for screening services, early detection, and chronic disease management is a fundamental measure to help reduce treatment costs. Participants noted that investment in prevention not only delivers economic benefits but also has significant social value by improving quality of life and extending life expectancy.

In the fields of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, participants discussed global supply chain challenges, particularly regarding raw materials for drug production. In this context, establishing a clear, stable, and transparent HI payment framework was seen as essential to enabling businesses to proactively plan production and supply activities while minimizing disruptions and shortages.

In addition, both sides exchanged views on the increasingly important role of data and digital transformation in HI management. The application of information technology platforms, digital transformation, and electronic claims assessment systems not only enhances fund management efficiency but also increases transparency, reduces operating costs, and improves public services. Both sides agreed that this is an area with significant potential for future cooperation between the public and private sectors.

The meeting concluded in a spirit of cooperation, trust, and optimism, opening up new opportunities for collaboration between VSS and U.S. partners, thereby contributing positively to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s social security system.