The East Asia and Pacific region is characterized by wide variations in sources of healthcare financing, pooling of funds, purchasing of care services, and the extent to which these policy instruments and programs provide social protection. Existing healthcare financing systems in the region are under increasing pressure from a continued prevalence of communicable diseases, an emergence of non communicable diseases, and a rapidly aging population. Large inequalities between the poor and the prosperous in their access to healthcare financing mechanisms can be reformed and strengthened to...

Over the past two decades Vietnam has made enormous progress towards achieving universal coverage (UC) for its population. Significant challenges remain, however, in terms of improving equity with continuing low rates of enrollment. Ensuring financial protection also remains an elusive goal. The Master Plan for Universal Coverage approved in 2012 by the Prime Minister directly addresses both these deficiencies in coverage. The objective of this report is to assess the implementation of Vietnam SHI and provide options for moving towards UC. This is a joint assessment with development partners,...