On November 13, over 1,000 residents of Ia Krái commune were given health insurance cards funded by nearly VND 135 million (about USD 5,400) from Binh Dien–Mekong Joint Stock Company and the Gia Lai branch of Olam Company Limited.
The donations form part of national movements promoting social welfare, including the campaign “The whole country joins hands for the poor - No one left behind” and the program “Presenting health insurance cards to disadvantaged people - Bringing a warm Tet to the poor in the Year of the Horse” launched by Vietnam Social Security.
Gia Lai Provincial Social Security Director Vũ Mạnh Chữ said the initiative not only provides immediate financial relief but also encourages long-term participation in health insurance. “Providing health insurance cards helps prevent health risks, eases medical expenses and motivates people to join health insurance when their financial conditions improve”, he said.
Residents welcomed the support. Rơ Chăm Khíu of Jrăng Blo village said he had been unable to afford insurance. “Now that I’ve received a card, I’m very happy. I appreciate the care and support from Vietnam Social Security and the sponsors”, he said.
Ia Krái commune authorities said the program would strengthen access to healthcare and support sustainable poverty reduction. Deputy Secretary and People’s Committee Chairman Nguyễn Thanh Phương said the commune would continue raising awareness about the benefits of voluntary insurance to ensure long-term participation.
On November 14, the Pleiku Charity Meal Club, under the National Volunteer Center, distributed additional health insurance cards in Chư Pưh and Phú Túc communes. With VND 26 million (about USD 1,040) contributed by donors, the club purchased cards for 205 disadvantaged residents, students, and ethnic minorities.
Club representative Lý Thị Hồng Trị said many people fall deeper into hardship without insurance due to high hospital fees. “We hope that after receiving these cards and experiencing the benefits, people will become more proactive in participating in health insurance”, she said.