The move is aimed to implement Resolution No 20-NQ/TW dated October 25, 2017 of the 6th conference of the 12th Party Central Committee on strengthening the protection, care and improvement of people's health in the new situation, a direction by President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc at the launching ceremony of Action Month for the elderly in Việt Nam on October 1, 2022 and Decision No 2156/QD-TTg dated December 21, 2021 of the Prime Minister approving the National Action Programme on the elderly for the 2021-2030 period.

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It also covers Decision No 546/QD-TTg dated April 29, 2022 of the Prime Minister assigning targets for implementation of health insurance coverage in the 2022-2025 period and direction of Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam in Notice No 248/TB-VPCP issued on August 17, 2022 by the Government Office.

Việt Nam set a target to have all elderly and people with disabilities having health insurance cards.

According to the latest request by the Ministry of Labour, Invalid and Social Affairs, localities are urged to strengthen communication to increase public awareness, particularly among Party Committees and authorities at all levels about laws and policies for the elderly and people with disabilities and then, encourage people to participate in health insurance.

Involved agencies were asked to count the number of elderly and people with disabilities who have not yet gotten health insurance cards. Localities were asked to arrange proper funding to ensure payment of health insurance premiums for the elderly and people with disabilities in accordance with the law on health insurance.

The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs urged the People's Committees of provinces and cities to pay further attention to the issuance of health insurance cards for the elderly and people with disabilities. Localities were asked to report to the ministry soon so that it could report to the Government and Prime Minister./.