Voters in Da Nang submitted a petition to the Ministry of Health, highlighting that the extended and high costs of treating cancer and kidney failure often surpass the financial capabilities of many families, particularly those living in poverty, near-poverty, and low-income workers.

Annually, Vietnam records approximately 180,000 new cancer cases and over 120,000 deaths. The prolonged treatment regimens, involving surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, impose immense financial strain on patients and their families.

For patients with chronic kidney failure requiring regular hemodialysis, frequent hospital visits over many years often result in a significant reduction or complete loss of their ability to work. Low-income families face not only medical and drug expenses but also additional costs for accommodation, travel, and a substantial loss of income during the extended treatment period.

Consequently, the voters advocate for flexible support criteria, moving away from rigid disease stage classifications. Instead, they suggest evaluating eligibility based on disease severity, treatment duration, and the patient's economic circumstances. They also emphasized the need for unified national guidelines to ensure consistent, timely, and equitable support across all localities.

In response, the Ministry of Health clarified that current legislation, specifically the Law on Persons with Disabilities and Decree 20/2021, does not provide for a distinct monthly social allowance for individuals diagnosed with serious illnesses like cancer or kidney failure.

Doctor working in the palliative care department, Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital facility 2. Photo: Quynh Tran

Monthly social allowances are currently reserved for individuals with severe or extremely severe disabilities, as defined by law. Therefore, patients with serious illnesses may qualify for these allowances if the Disability Assessment Council determines their condition constitutes a severe or extremely severe disability.

The government has increased the standard social assistance level to 540,000 VND per month, effective under Decree 335/2026, up from the previous 500,000 VND. Under this revised framework, individuals with severe disabilities receive 1,5 times the standard amount, totaling 810,000 VND per month. Children and elderly individuals with disabilities are eligible for even higher coefficients.

Furthermore, Decree 76/2024 empowers provincial People's Committees to propose to their respective People's Councils to provide support for other disadvantaged groups not explicitly covered by Decree 20. This allows for assistance tailored to local socio-economic conditions and budgetary capacities. Therefore, local authorities can consider providing aid to residents with serious illnesses, including cancer and kidney failure, within their jurisdictions.

The Ministry of Health has acknowledged the recommendation to expand the eligibility criteria for social allowances to include individuals with serious illnesses. The ministry stated it will research and evaluate this proposal as it works to refine social assistance policies, ultimately advising competent authorities for their consideration and decision.

Le Nga