Criteria for assessing poor households and medical examination and treatment regime for the poor

(Baonghean) - Ms. Nguyen Thi Loi, Nghi Long commune, Nghi Loc district asked: What are the current criteria for assessing poor and near-poor households?

Reply:On January 30, 2011, the Government issued Decision No. 09/2011/QD-TTg promulgating standards for poor and near-poor households applicable for the period 2011 - 2015. Accordingly, poor households in rural areas are households with an average income of 400,000 VND/person/month (from 4.8 million VND/person/year) or less. Poor households in urban areas are households with an average income of 500,000 VND/person/month (from 6 million VND/person/year) or less. Near-poor households in rural areas are households with an average income of 401,000 VND to 520,000 VND/person/month. Near-poor households in urban areas are households with an average income of 501,000 VND to 650,000 VND/person/month. The poverty line prescribed above is the basis for implementing social security policies and other economic and social policies. This Decision takes effect from January 1, 2011.

* Mr. Chu Tu Lieu, Team 11, Dien Truong Commune, Dien Chau District asked: The Government has revised regulations on medical examination and treatment for the poor. So, who are the beneficiaries and what changes are there compared to the previous regulations?

Reply:According to Decision No. 14/2012/QD-TTg issued by the Prime Minister on March 1, 2012 amending and supplementing a number of articles of Decision No. 139/2002/QD-TTg dated October 15, 2002 of the Prime Minister on medical examination and treatment for the poor, there are 4 beneficiaries, including: People belonging to poor households according to the current regulations of the Prime Minister on poor household standards. Ethnic minorities living in communes, wards and towns in difficult areas specified in Decision No. 30/2007/QD-TTg dated March 5, 2007 of the Prime Minister. People who are eligible for monthly social allowances according to the provisions of law and people being cared for at social protection facilities of the State. People with cancer, kidney dialysis, heart surgery or other diseases facing difficulties due to high costs and not being able to pay hospital fees.

Thus, compared to the old regulations, this decision has added 2 more subjects to the medical examination and treatment regime for the poor: those who are eligible for monthly social allowances according to the provisions of law and those who are being cared for at social protection facilities of the State and those who have cancer, kidney dialysis, heart surgery or other diseases that are difficult due to high costs and cannot afford to pay hospital fees. This decision takes effect from April 15, 2012.

Quang An