He stressed that the practice demonstrates the goals and impetus for national sustainable development.

The Prime Minister made the statement at a teleconference held by the Viet Nam Social Security (VSS) in Ha Noi on February 15 to review the 25-year implementation of social and health insurance policies and deploy tasks for 2020.

The teleconference, which took place at the VSS’ headquarters at No 7 Trang Thi Street, Hoan Kiem District, is a big event marking the 25th anniversary of VSS (February 16, 1995 – February 16,2020).

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivers a speech at the event

“The social security and health insurance system is increasingly more comprehensive and compatible with the nation’s socio-economic development, which is clearly demonstrated in Party resolutions,” said PM Phuc.

Authorised by the Government to implement social security and health insurance policies in the whole nation, over the past 25 years VSS has been making efforts to effectively carry out social security and health insurance policies, which achieved crucial outcomes in improving the legal system, increasing the number of paticipants, ensuring benefits of the participants, managing funds, reforming administrative procedures and applying science and technology as well as performing foreign affairs. These achievements have made considerable contributions to realising the Party and State’s targets in social welfare.

“On behalf of the Government, I appreciate the efforts  of generations of staff in the social security sector over the past 25 years,” said the PM.

He identified opportunities and challenges posed for the development of the country’s social security system.

After 30 years of renewal, Viet Nam is no longer an underdeveloped country whilst the country’s potential is further strengthened and international integration is deeper and deeper. Nevertheless, the domestic economy remains struggling, the State budget resource is limited; income of the majority people is still low and unstable; the percentage of labourers in the non-formal sector remains high; the cover rate of social insurace is still far from the set target; the aging population is creating critical pressures on the social security system; and the impacts of the Industry 4.0 are rapidly changing labour structure and relationship.

Highlighting the VSS’ role as the main pillar in the social security system and in implementing social security, social insurance and health insurance policies effectively, the Prime Minister requested VSS and relevant ministries and sectors to focus resources to successfully fulfill targets put forward in the Party’s resolutions, especially Resolution No 28-NQ/TW on social security reform, at the 7th plenary session of the 12th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam.

“VSS must work out a development strategy to become a modern and effective institution, speed up the application of information technology and improve connection and coordination in the implementation of policies. VSS must take the lead in ensuring the people’s satisfaction and continuously raising labourers’ trust,” said the PM.  

On the occasion, PM Phuc called for the social security sector to focus on five key tasks, including the development of an integrated social security information system for concentrated and consistent management and better sharing among the State, society and the people, among groups of citizens in the same generation and in various generations; ensuring equality and sustainability; and closely following the national socio-economic targets and obligations. Other tasks consist of the improved effectiveness and efficiency of the management of policy implementation and social security funds, and strengthened financial mechanisms to make sure that social insurance and health insurance policies are thoroughly implemented and benefit participants; enhanced dissemination of information related to social security and health insurance so as people have a clear understanding of the significance, role and benefits of social security and health insurance.

He also called for the expansion of the coverage of health insurance, stronger administrative procedure reforms, completion of the national database on insurance, better connection and information sharing among ministries and sectors, and processing of administrative procedures on the National E-Document Exchange Platform to help build an e-Government.

However, he said he was convinced that with achievements gained over the past 25 years, VSS would maintain its fine traditions and the spirit of solidarity and innovation to overcome all difficulties and challenges to successfully perform assigned tasks to contribute to improving the national social security./.