Vietnamese officials at the Joint Ministers of Finance and Health Symposium on Universal Health Coverage in Asia and the Pacific on September 17 (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – The Joint Ministers of
Finance and Health Symposium on Universal Health Coverage in Asia and the
Pacific, with the theme “COVID-19 and Beyond”, was held online by the Asian
Development Bank () in Hanoi on September 17, with the participation of
various countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
ADB representatives hailed Vietnam’s success in
dealing with COVID-19 and securing socio-economic development.
Along with stable macro-economic conditions and
inflation under control, the consumer price index has fallen in recent months and
the monetary market, credit and foreign exchange basically remained stable.
In his speech at the event, which focused on the financial
mechanism applied in Vietnam to respond to COVID-19 amid lower State budget revenue,
said Vietnam has prioritised budget funds for
preventive medicine.
It has spent at least 30 percent of its health care
budget on preventive medicine each year, he said.
The minister underlined that, in Vietnam, the State
budget covers most public health services, while those for health examinations
and treatment are covered by compulsory health insurance. The primary
healthcare fee is jointly paid by health insurance, the people, and the State
budget, he said, adding that the country is speeding up the restructuring of the
State healthcare budget to better care for people, especially those from ethnic
minority groups or in mountainous regions, border areas, and islands.
The minister clarified that Vietnam has optimised all locally-available
resources for fighting COVID-19. As early as the first cases of COVID-19 were
reported in the world, the Government directed ministries and sectors to build response
plans, and ensure sufficient funding and human resources for preventive
measures, quarantine, and treatment following the principle of four on-the-spot
resources.
He stressed that Vietnam has persistently implemented
the twin goals of preventing the spread of COVID-19 and removing difficulties
for production and business, thus maintaining macro-economic stability, preventing
disruption of socio-economic activities, reining in inflation, and ensuring social
welfare.
Specifically, a 62-trillion VND package was launched
to support people affected by , along with reductions, exemptions, and payment
extensions on fees and taxes, to ease difficulties for enterprises. Administrative
procedures were also reformed, while the business environment has been improved.
At the same time, Vietnam also worked to ensure the
supply of essential medical supplies and equipment. Import taxes on goods
serving pandemic prevention were suspended.
The minister proposed that Health and Finance
Ministries of other countries continue to support Vietnam in enhancing the capacity
of preventive medicine, while sharing information and experience in treatment
and vaccine research, helping the country promote sustainable growth./.
Source: VietnamPlus
