Vietnam should transition from focusing on medical and welfare to adopting a comprehensive social model when developing policies for individuals with disabilities, Party General Secretary To Lam stated. He emphasized the need for laws to regard people with disabilities as valuable contributors rather than just receivers of care.
General Secretary Lam chaired a meeting in Ha Noi regarding the implementation of Party and State policies for individuals with disabilities. He commended the current support policies, guidelines, and models in place for rehabilitation, inclusive education, and employment.
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He stated that assisting individuals with disabilities is more than just a social policy; it is a fundamental characteristic of a civilized, humane, and contemporary society, and a duty that all political parties must fulfill. According to him, successful policies should eliminate discrimination, lessen disparities, and utilize individuals with disabilities as catalysts for national progress.
Therefore, the approach to policy-making should be more thorough and inclusive, covering various sectors. He stated that the government should prioritize inclusive education, relevant vocational training, preferential hiring practices, accessible transportation systems, and public facilities, as well as expedited digital advancements to ensure that online public services and assistive technologies are available to those who require them.
He believes that social welfare policies should guarantee a basic level of living conditions, support for livelihoods and housing, and legal aid to facilitate true societal inclusion. He also stressed the need for increased community awareness, reducing stigma, and increased participation from the private sector and civil society in creating jobs and inclusive products.
He instructed officials to take serious actions to make sure that every child with disabilities is recognized at an early stage, enrolled in school, and provided with opportunities for full integration.
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The leader emphasized the importance of finding ways to prevent and address violence, neglect, and discrimination, including easy-to-use reporting methods and quick local support, with a focus on providing additional protection for women and children who have disabilities.
It is essential for public campaigns to promote respect, unity, and cooperation, and any bureaucratic obstacles that hinder access to their legal rights should be promptly eliminated. The Ministry of Health in Viet Nam states that there are over 8 million individuals with disabilities in the country.
People with severe and very severe disabilities are already receiving monthly allowances, health insurance, and educational assistance.
Throughout the country, there are 165 social aid institutions that cater to individuals with disabilities, consisting of 104 government-run facilities and 61 privately-owned establishments.
These institutions currently accommodate approximately 25,000 people with disabilities and mental health issues, while also providing support to about 80,000 others in the surrounding communities.
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The Government aims to provide monthly assistance and free health insurance for severely disabled individuals by 2030. They also plan to ensure healthcare access for 90 percent of people with disabilities, early screening for 80 percent of children aged 0-6, education access for 90 percent of school-age children with disabilities, and full compliance with accessibility standards for all new public works, as well as 50 percent of existing ones.