Report Vietnam's Ambitious Plan for Universal Free Healthcare by 2035

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Vietnam has unveiled an ambitious proposal to provide universal free healthcare by 2035, starting with enhancing basic medical facilities. While garnering wide public approval, health experts stress the need for comprehensive planning in healthcare financing, restructuring, capacity-building, and quality control over public services.

 

This groundbreaking initiative, introduced by Party General Secretary Tô Lâm, was part of discussions during a March 15 meeting of the sub-committee responsible for drafting documents for the 14th National Party Congress. Deputy Minister of Health Trần Văn Thuấn described the plan as being deeply humane, emphasizing solutions that prioritize healthcare service development and aim to gradually eliminate hospital fees for all citizens.

 

The Ministry of Health is also expediting the development of a decree on the implementation of the Law on Health Insurance and drafting reimbursement conditions. Consultations with the Government Party Committee and related agencies are forthcoming.

 

Under a two-phase approach, the plan aims to strengthen grassroots healthcare from 2026 to 2030, ensuring that 90% of the population receives preventive medical care while eliminating hospital fees for vulnerable groups. The strategy aims to provide free hospital care to the entire population by 2030-2035, along with mandatory health insurance and reformed payment mechanisms.

 

Public reaction to this proposal has been overwhelmingly positive. Patients currently burdened by healthcare costs, such as Nguyễn Văn Mạnh and Nguyễn Thị Lan, have expressed hope that free healthcare would ease financial burdens and allow them to focus on recovery.

 

However, implementing such a transformative policy poses significant challenges. According to the World Bank, Vietnam must increase healthcare spending from the current 2.7% of GDP to levels comparable to developed nations to achieve universal health coverage. With current public healthcare spending exceeding VNĐ175 trillion ($6.74 billion) annually, including VNĐ112 trillion ($4.31 billion) for health insurance reimbursements, eliminating hospital fees would require additional funding.

 

Capacity constraints also pose a challenge. The Ministry of Health reports a shortage of approximately 23,800 preventive healthcare workers, while overcrowding in central hospitals highlights the need for strengthened grassroots services and equitable distribution of medical personnel.

 

Bạch Mai Hospital's Director, Dr. Đào Xuân Cơ, emphasized financial capacity as a cornerstone for success, outlining three key solutions:

 

1. Expand Universal Health Insurance Coverage: Government investment, particularly in underserved regions and specialized medical services, is crucial. Engaging businesses, philanthropists, and social funds will also be essential to funding efforts.
2. Recruit and Train Local Residents: Enhanced training programs for grassroots medical staff are needed, equipping primary care doctors with versatile skills. Improved compensation and resource availability are recommended incentives.
3. Digital Transformation: Developing a unified electronic health record system would enable remote consultations and streamlined patient care.

 

Dr. Đỗ Ngọc Văn from the Institute for Social Issues noted that universal free hospital care must coincide with sustainable economic growth and comprehensive healthcare financing reform. He suggested prioritizing free care for vulnerable populations and those with chronic conditions as an interim measure to reduce pressure on the healthcare system and State budget.

 

As Vietnam moves forward with this initiative, careful planning and resource mobilization are critical to successfully transforming the nation’s healthcare landscape by 2035.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Vietnam News 2025-05-28

 

 

[Purdey]

Good news, Vietnam. Countries are supposed to work for people not against them.