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Alongside this, voluntary SI has opened up opportunities for millions of informal workers, allowing them to access pension policies and receive free HI cards when they reach retirement age. This is not only material support but also demonstrates the Party's and State's concern for informal workers, who often face significant disadvantages in the social security system.

Equally important, HI—one of the essential pillars of social security—has become a financial support system for people when they face illness or disease. The HI fund covers not only medical examination and treatment costs but also supports high-tech medical services such as robotic surgery, cancer treatment, dialysis, and treatments for life-threatening diseases. Especially for serious cases requiring long-term care, HI has helped hundreds of thousands of families avoid financial ruin, offering new hope for patients and their families.

During a volunteer trip to Sơn La, where health insurance cards and social insurance books were directly given to people in difficult circumstances, General Director Nguyễn Thế Mạnh stated: “As a state agency under the Government, responsible for implementing SI and HI policies—key pillars of the national social security system—the Vietnam Social Insurance sector has always been deeply concerned with improving the lives of the poor and people facing difficulties nationwide. This is both a moral obligation and the responsibility and affection of the Vietnamese people for one another.”

The spirit of solidarity and sharing is a thread that runs through the development of SI and HI policies. Participation in SI and HI is not just a financial obligation but also a vivid manifestation of the Vietnamese tradition of "caring for others as if they were your own family." For the poor, the disabled, ethnic minorities, and other vulnerable groups, SI and HI are not only lifebuoys helping them overcome immediate difficulties but also bridges to access opportunities for healthier, more equal lives. Especially in challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or extreme natural disasters, SI and HI have played the role of a "steel shield," helping millions of people stabilize their lives and overcome hardships.

The humanitarian significance of SI and HI policies is most clearly depicted in difficult times. During my fieldwork in many provinces, I witnessed deeply emotional moments: the happy smiles of people receiving their first pension after years of voluntary SI participation, the grateful eyes of workers supported during job loss due to the pandemic, and the emotional tears of families overcoming heavy medical costs thanks to HI after a natural disaster. Such stories exist everywhere, from remote mountain areas to bustling cities, like a quiet but powerful current of kindness, nurturing hope for the future for every citizen.

Above all, bà Lý Thị Độn (from Làng Nủ village, Phúc Khánh commune, Bảo Yên district, Lào Cai province) deeply understands the value of the HI policy. In September 2024, a devastating flash flood swept away nearly all her family's assets. Fleeing the flood in panic, bà and her granddaughter Trương Thị Ánh Duyên were severely injured and had to be hospitalized. Thanks to the HI fund covering all medical expenses, bà Độn overcame the darkest phase of her life. She emotionally shared: “We greatly appreciate the help of the HI fund. Not only does it provide material support, but it is also a great encouragement for our spirit.”

In addition to paying benefits, Vietnam's Social Insurance sector has also implemented many humanitarian programs such as "Providing social insurance books and health insurance cards to the poor." These gifts not only carry material significance but also add motivation for struggling families, particularly in flood-prone areas such as Yên Bái, Thanh Hóa, and Bắc Kạn, where farmers have lost everything after a flood.

Phạm Thị Chung, another victim of storm No. 3 (YAGI) in Bắc Kạn, was facing the risk of having to stop her voluntary SI participation after 10 years of commitment. Her family suffered heavy losses, with houses damaged and assets destroyed. However, thanks to the support program from Vietnam's Social Insurance, she was given one year of SI coverage. She shared emotionally: “I am very happy and grateful. This is a great motivation for me to continue participating because I understand that with SI, I will have peace of mind in old age, with a pension and better healthcare.”

The story of bà Độn, her granddaughter Duyên, and chị Chung is just three of the many vivid examples of the humanitarian value that SI and HI policies bring. Every year, thousands of SI books and HI cards are given out across the country, especially in remote areas. Many businesses and philanthropists have viewed SI and HI as charitable gifts with long-lasting value. These seemingly simple gifts are deeply meaningful, offering valuable lessons in sharing and human kindness. SI and HI have helped many disadvantaged people reduce their financial burdens while providing them with opportunities to access medical services, education, and social security. These gifts are not just material but also bring hope and opportunity, enabling people, especially the poor, to rise in life.

However, the value of SI and HI goes beyond just giving. To build a strong social security system, each citizen must understand their rights, actively participate in this system, and contribute to the common development of society. It is through the community's participation, along with the efforts of the Social Insurance sector, that a sustainable social foundation is created, where everyone can confidently walk through life without fear of being left behind. According to General Director Nguyễn Thế Mạnh, the increasing number of people participating in the "social safety net" demonstrates the beauty of the policy and the effectiveness of its implementation by the Social Insurance agency, as well as the concern and solidarity of local authorities in ensuring social security for their citizens.

The culture of social insurance is not only about implementing specific policies but also about the collective efforts of both the community and organizations to build a sustainable social security system. It is a blend of responsibility from the Social Insurance sector and the self-awareness of each individual in participating and contributing to this system. It cannot be denied that these policies are truly valuable when the community understands their importance, and when every citizen feels they are an integral part of a fair and civilized society.

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In recent years, the Vietnam Social Security industry has continuously strived to modernize and professionalize management work, creating the most favorable conditions for participants in and benecỉaies from these policies. Awareness campaigns, from seminars to creative media activities, have helped the community understand the deep humanitarian meaning of SI and HI. These forms of communication are not only tools to raise awareness but also invitations to encourage everyone to join, for a future where no one is left behind.

Entering a new era of growth, where the country increasingly integrates and develops strongly—the culture of social insurance needs to continue to be built and promoted. This is not only the responsibility of the VSS industry but also of society as a whole. The government, organizations, and individuals must all join hands to build a truly fair and sustainable social security system. This solidarity will create a strong society, where every citizen receive the care and concern of the State.

The development journey of SI and HI policy has not always been smooth. It is a path full of challenges but also full of trust and hope. With the humanitarian values built and nurtured over time, SI and HI are not just social security policies but also sources of unity and guiding lights for a better society. Let us all nurture and develop the culture of SI, not only to build a strong social security system but also to create a truly compassionate and fair society, where everyone can find trust and hope for the future.