The implemented scheme provides beneficiaries with a partial coverage of 30%, 50% or 70% of the total hospital costs. The appropriate level of financial support is assessed for each individual upon admission and is based on the results of a socioeconomic questionnaire. This information is crosschecked within a multidisciplinary approach. Eligible patients are those identified as “poor” or “vulnerable” and especially those who do not have insurance cards or compensation for labor accidents.
Funds are used to pay for bed fees, medicines, lab tests, examinations and care for unavoidable complications. It is important to mention that the fund is generated by a hospital policy that ensures the 15% contribution of the unit to making up the total fund. This participation of the hospital is the most essential way in showing that public health services in Vietnam have the potential to allow accessible health care for all.
Besides financial support, Equity Fund Project also provides upgrading training for medical staff, social workers in fund raising, counseling and project management skills.
“Living values” training was held for spinal cord injuries patients to create the chances for patients to be better prepared in psychology for the life after discharge when reintegrating into the society.
With the introduction of such a system, the huge financial burden that hospital costs represent for poor patients and their household is alleviated. Hence, patients can stop worrying about money shortages. They can afford to stay longer at the hospital and so are able to complete both the rehabilitation and psychosocial recovery process.
