Ho Chi Minh City cuts poverty and expands healthcare in five-year welfare push

Ho Chi Minh City has made steady progress in social welfare over the past five years. Recent reports show a drop in poor households, expanded healthcare access, and stronger support for education and vulnerable groups. The city’s policies now cover everything from free medical care to tuition exemptions for students.

Between 2020 and 2025, the city upgraded its healthcare system with 34 new hospitals and 106 refurbished health stations. Preventive medicine, primary care, and specialized treatments have all been expanded to ensure broader coverage. Free medical examinations and treatments are now available to more residents, alongside full health insurance for the elderly, seriously ill patients, and children with disabilities.

Education has also seen improvements, with tuition fees waived from kindergarten through grade 12. These changes align with Resolution No. 35/2023/NQ-HDND, which targets support for orphans, the elderly, and those facing hardship. In the first half of 2025 alone, the city reduced the number of poor and near-poor households by 1,267. This achievement meets its goal of eliminating poverty under multidimensional standards. Officials credit the success to targeted policies and a stronger social security network.

The city’s focus on welfare has led to measurable results, including fewer poor households and better access to essential services. With healthcare, education, and poverty reduction programmes now in place, residents benefit from a more secure social safety net. These efforts reflect a long-term commitment to sustainable development and improved living standards.