General Director Nguyen The Manh chairs the meeting with 11 cities and provinces in Southern region

On the morning of November 20th, in Ho Chi Minh City, General Director Nguyen The Manh chaired a working session with the Social Security offices of 11 provinces and cities in the Southern region regarding the collection work, development of social, health, and occupational accident insurance participants, as well as the management of healthcare costs covered by health insurance.

The meeting was attended by leaders from relevant units under the Vietnam Social Security. Representatives from the Social Security offices of 11 provinces and cities including Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, Kien Giang, Long An, Binh Thuan, Tay Ninh, Can Tho, and An Giang attended, including directors, deputy directors, and relevant department heads.

This marks the third working session of the Manh with local Social Security offices on this matter. Previously, on November 17th, the General Director had a meeting with Social Security offices of provinces and cities in the Northern region, and on November 20th, a meeting was held with Social Security offices in the Central region.

In his opening remarks at the working session, emphasizing the limited time remaining in 2023, the General Director requested that the 11 Southern local Social Security offices provide detailed reports on the situation and results of implementing compulsory participation in social insurance, voluntary social insurance, health insurance, and the utilization of healthcare costs covered by health insurance in their respective areas. Specifically, it was requested to outline the number that needs development and the proposed solutions to achieve completion, as well as any suggestions or assistance required from the Vietnam Social Security.

Based on the reports from the leaders of the local Social Security offices and the input from the leaders of units under the VSS, General Director Nguyen The Manh assessed that over time, the 11 provinces and cities' Social Security offices have made efforts, shown responsibility, dedication, and overcome shared difficulties nationwide, as well as specific challenges faced by each region. They have closely followed and earnestly implemented the directives from party committees, local authorities, and the VSS. At different stages, they have achieved positive results, with many targets showing significant improvement compared to the same period in previous years.

Overall picture of the meeting

However, most provinces are encountering significant challenges in developing mandatory social insurance, voluntary social insurance, and household health insurance. The situation regarding debts in social insurance, health insurance, and occupational accident insurance has become increasingly complex due to the impact of the pandemic and challenging socio-economic conditions. The utilization rate of the health insurance budget in most provinces has reached a high level, with some provinces nearing the depletion of their 2023 allocations.

The General Director has urged local Social Security offices to expedite the progress in fulfilling the targets and tasks set for the sector. This responsibility isn't just a political duty; it's also a commitment to the people and the workforce, contributing significantly to ensuring social welfare. Provincial Social Security leaders need to fully grasp this and convey the message to every official, employee, and worker within their units.

Specifically, local Social Security offices must be resolute in achieving targets related to the coverage of social insurance, health insurance, and occupational accident insurance. Particularly, the health insurance coverage rate must be accomplished and sustained above 93% of the population nationwide, surpassing the targets set by the Government and the National Assembly. Major localities with substantial labor forces such as Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, among others, not only need to meet their local targets but also endeavor to exceed them to support their regions and the nation as a whole.

In terms of solutions, concerning the collection and development of participants, the General Director has instructed provincial Social Security offices to adhere to the sector's roadmap while conducting flexible assessments based on the local situation. There should be intensified roles and operations of directing committees at all levels locally, especially in the final months of the year, with determined efforts from provincial to district and communal levels. It's crucial to involve cultural officers, who serve as advisors on implementing health insurance policies at grassroots levels.

Local Social Security offices need to clearly designate leaders and officials to oversee grassroots operations. They should intensify measures to reduce debts, achieving dual objectives: ensuring the rights of participants and ensuring the sustainability of funds. Additionally, it's imperative to safeguard the rights of participants in social insurance and health insurance. Strengthening coordination between revenue collection departments and inspection units is vital to effectively conduct sudden inspections on debt units. Continuously reviewing tax data and collaborating with law enforcement agencies to monitor labor fluctuations in the area during the final months of the year…

General Director Nguyen The Manh concludes the meeting

The voluntary social insurance scheme should focus on potential groups, advisory roles, and seek additional support sources from society and businesses. Alongside previously identified potential groups, attention should be given to those recently assisted under Decree 75. These individuals, having already been supported to participate in health insurance, should be encouraged to also engage in voluntary social insurance through effective communication. Developing participants in voluntary social insurance is crucial, especially for regions facing challenges in mandatory social insurance expansion.

Regarding health insurance development, adherence to sectoral scenarios is essential. Reviewing, compiling lists, and implementing policies for groups assisted under Decree 75/ND-CP should be prioritized, alongside mobilizing additional support resources, ensuring completion by all possible means.

In the context of health insurance, local Social Security offices should pay particular attention to budget utilization and payments as per Decree 75/ND-CP recently issued by the Government, aiming for cost-effectiveness and preventing exploitation.

"The directors and leaders of local Social Security offices are urged to be more resolute, maintaining a relentless work ethic without days off. Strengthening discipline and determination during the final months of the year is crucial to achieving the best possible outcomes for the assigned targets and tasks," stated General Director Nguyen The Manh.