This proposal is part of a report submitted by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee (UBND) to the City Council (HDND) for review at its afternoon session on 28/8.

Late last year, the previous City Council introduced a support payment of 3 million VND for women who have two children. At that time, the city's total fertility rate was 1.39 children per woman; after adjustments, it increased to 1.43, still significantly lower than the replacement fertility rate of 2.1.

A woman receives a prenatal checkup at Tu Du Hospital. Photo: Thanh Tung

A woman receives a prenatal checkup at Tu Du Hospital. Photo: Thanh Tung

Under the proposal, pregnant women and newborns from poor, near-poor, or socially supported households, as well as those living on offshore islands or Con Dao special zone, will also receive 2 million VND for pre- and postnatal screenings. Additionally, communes achieving a two-child fertility rate of 60% or higher for three consecutive years will receive a 30 million VND reward from the city; maintaining this rate for five consecutive years will result in a 60 million VND reward.

The city is also introducing several reward policies for community groups and population collaborators involved in addressing gender imbalance at birth and providing elderly care. The total estimated budget for these initiatives is approximately 97 billion VND from the city's budget.

According to guidelines from the Ministry of Health, localities can develop support policies for women under 35 who have two children, depending on their budgets. Several provinces have already implemented similar policies with varying amounts of financial support.

Ho Chi Minh City currently has one of the lowest fertility rates in the country. Experts warn that if this trend continues, it will lead to a decline in the young workforce, accelerate population aging, and put significant pressure on social security and insurance funds.

Le Tuyet