VSS Deputy Director Nguyễn Đức Hòa delivered a speech at the Workshop

In his opening speech, Deputy Director Nguyen Duc Hoa emphasized that diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and disability globally and accounts for a large proportion of the total expenditures from the health insurance (HI) fund in Vietnam. In the context of rapid aging population, increasing burden of disease, and limited healthcare resources, it is crucial to manage treatment costs reasonably and effectively, ensuring that patients have access to quality medicines at appropriate prices, while simultaneously maintaining the sustainability of the HI fund.

According to the Ministry of Health, in Vietnam, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for up to 73.7% of the total burden of disease and mortality, with diabetes accounting for nearly 4%. In 2025, the HI fund spent about VND 20.5 trillion for this disease group, equivalent to nearly 17% of the total HI expenditure for medical examination and treatment.

Experts believe that early detection and treatment adherence play a decisive role in reducing complications and costs. It is necessary to implement a number of comprehensive solutions, such as: strengthening the role of grassroots healthcare; managing patients in the community; applying Big Data platforms in cost analysis and forecasting; interconnecting electronic health records; and effectively implementing Circular No. 26/2025/TT-BYT on outpatient drug prescribing to ensure reasonable, economical, and convenient drug use for chronic patients.

In his remarks, Mr. Lasse Pedersen Hjortshoj, Health Counsellor at the Embassy of Denmark, highly appreciated Vietnam's efforts in expanding HI coverage, enhancing cost management capacity, and improving access to health services. He affirmed that the workshop is a significant milestone in the strategic cooperation between Denmark and VSS in chronic disease management and the development of a sustainable health system.

Concluding the workshop, VSS Deputy Director Nguyen Duc Hoa affirmed that VSS continues to coordinate closely with the Ministry of Health, medical examination and treatment facilities, and international partners to improve relevant policies and promote technology application. These efforts aim to ensure the efficient and transparent use of the HI fund, and provide all citizens with the access to quality, equitable, and sustainable health services./.