The VSS delegation included representatives from the Department of International Cooperation, Department of Contribution Collection – Social Insurance Book and Health Insurance Card, Department of Health Insurance Implementation, Center for Medical Claim Review, Information Technology Centre, Information and Communication Centre, and Department of Investment Fund.

The WB delegation comprised Rianna Mohammed-Roberts, Human Development Program Leader for Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia; Nguyen Thi Nga, Senior Social Protection Specialist, East Asia and the Pacific Region; Dao Lan Huong, Health Specialist; and other staff members.

During the meeting, participants heard a brief introduction about Rianna’s recent appointment as the leader of the Human Development Program at World Bank for Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. She began her term in Vietnam from August 1, 2024.

They also reviewed the outcomes and impacts of the collaboration between the two sides in the areas of social insurance and health insurance. The meeting focused on identifying challenges and opportunities for the VSS to enhance the effectiveness of social insurance and health insurance in Vietnam. The WB reiterated its commitment to supporting the VSS in these areas.

VSS Deputy Director General Dao Viet Anh extended a warm welcome to Rianna for her new term in Vietnam, expressing confidence in her and the WB’s continued support for Vietnam social security industry as it moves forward.  

As of the end of 2023, a remarkable 93.35% of Vietnamese population had enrolled in health insurance, while 39.25% of the labour force participated in social insurance.

Deputy Director General Dao Viet Anh expressed his optimism that with the achievements made in 2024, Vietnam social security industry is poised to realise the goals set forth in the Party Central Committee’s Resolution No 28-NQ/TW.

He attributed this progress to the concerted efforts of the entire VSS system, in conjunction with effective collaboration from relevant ministries and sectors. Anh also acknowledged the valuable contributions of the WB, whose practical and concrete cooperation has played a significant role in these achievements.

A general view of the meeting

He emphasised that the cooperation was deeply demonstrated in both social insurance and health insurance. Specifically, for health insurance, the WB has collaborated with the VSS in providing technical assistance for the development and amendment of the Law on Health Insurance; sharing international experience and best practices in implementing health insurance through workshops, conferences and study tours; providing technical assistance and capacity building for service providers; and analysing social insurance claims data to provide information for policymaking.

Regarding social insurance, the WB and the VSS have worked together on consulting to amend the Law on Social Insurance; forecasting fund balances; exploring solutions to expand coverage; evaluating the implementation of voluntary social insurance programmes; and developing practical communication materials to promote voluntary participation.

Alberto Rodriguez, Regional Director of Human Development, East Asia and Pacific, expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and acknowledged the significant strides made by the VSS. He commended the Vietnam social security industry’s efforts in expanding social and health insurance coverage and noted that these achievements provide valuable insights for other countries. He reaffirmed the WB’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s social security system and strengthening the collaborative relationship between the two bodies.

During the working session, both parties discussed and reaffirmed the close collaboration between the WB and the VSS. This collaboration includes information sharing, joint efforts in analysing health insurance claims data, and regular consultations with the WB on international experience related to various aspects in health insurance implementation. Additionally, the VSS’ has contributed significantly to experience sharing, particularly in the health insurance claim review system.

The VSS expressed its keen interest in further collaboration with the WB in the areas of social insurance and health insurance. This includes updating fund balance forecasts; enhancing operational efficiency; expanding coverage, especially for informal workers; and implementing mandatory social insurance for business households. Additionally, the VSS seeks to organise training programmes and workshops to share best practices and to continue receiving technical support from WB specialists. The VSS also recommended the WB to continue providing support in areas such as effectively managing payment methods; sharing experiences from other developed countries in managing health insurance; and collaborating on health insurance development initiatives, including universal coverage indicators, revenue generation, service packages, and health insurance claim review, among others./.