Thai Nguyen launches universal health insurance scheme

Thai Nguyen province has become the first locality in Vietnam to implement a project for universal health insurance, which includes free medical examination and treatment services. The initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on citizens and improve access to healthcare services.

During a conference held on October 25, Health Minister Dao Hong Lan emphasized the importance of shifting focus from treatment to proactive disease prevention and early healthcare at the local level. The project aligns with Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW to modernize public health protection.

To support the scheme, the province will strengthen local medical human resources by rotating doctors and deploying medical students from Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy to support communal health stations, particularly in mountainous areas. The province aims to increase its health insurance coverage to 98.32% by November 1, 2026, exceeding the government's target of 96.22%.