However, to meet new requirements of development and integration, the Secretariat issued Directive No. 52-CT/TW on October 3, 2025, to provide comprehensive guidance for the implementation of universal HI in the new phase, toward the goal of universal healthcare where no one is left behind.

VSS affirmed that Directive No. 52-CT/TW dated October 3, 2025, of the Secretariat, marks an important milestone and creates a comprehensive breakthrough in the implementation of universal HI policies. This is not only a continuation and development of the spirit of previous directives but also a clear expression of the Party's political determination to care for and protect people's health - one of the key pillars of sustainable social security.

Directive 52 sets out a new, comprehensive, and in-depth orientation for the current development stage, focusing on improving the quality of medical services, ensuring the rights of participants, promoting digital transformation, reforming administrative procedures, and expanding coverage to all target groups. This serves as a foundation for VSS and all relevant sectors and local authorities to coordinate synchronously, realizing the goal that all Vietnamese people are protected, cared for, and have their health improved through HI policy.

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To effectively implement Directive No. 52-CT-TW, especially in developing HI participants and ensuring the rights of people seeking medical examination and treatment under HI, VSS has issued a specific action plan. Accordingly, local social security offices continue to advise the Provincial and Municipal People's Committees to submit to the People's Councils to include SI and HI targets in annual socio-economic development resolutions. Localities are encouraged to allocate additional funds to support HI premiums in order to rapidly increase the number of participants in 2025 and subsequent years. They will also consolidate the Steering Committee for the implementation of SI & HI policies at all levels.

VSS continues to promote communication activities and organize dialogue conferences to disseminate the amended Law on HI and its implementing regulations. This aims to help citizens, units, and businesses, especially new target groups, fully understand their rights and obligations when participating in HI. Social Security offices will closely coordinate with relevant agencies, organizations, and communal People's Committees to guide the creation of lists for increasing or decreasing participation, issuing SI books, and providing HI cards to participants promptly and completely. This is becoming more important in the context of the new two-tier local government apparatus, and for ensuring the rights and interests of HI participants.

In the coming period, VSS aims to maintain and further expand HI coverage, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups such as the poor, near-poor, people in remote and isolated areas, workers in industrial parks, and students.

Successfully implementing Directive 52-CT/TW is not only about meeting the HI coverage target but also building a healthy, happy, and sustainable Vietnam, where every citizen is protected, cared for, and has their health improved—in line with the spirit set forth by the Party and the State.