On November 5, the National Assembly discussed the state budget implementation for 2024, budget estimates, and the central budget allocation plan for 2025.

Professor Hoang Van Cuong, former Vice Rector of the National Economics University, expressed concerns about the allocation of funds for healthcare and education.

Human capital investment remains marginal

Delegate Hoang Van Cuong (Hanoi delegation) emphasized that high-quality human resources - often seen as a breakthrough factor - are not receiving adequate investment.

Education to develop intellectual capacity and healthcare to improve physical well-being, he noted, appear to be underfunded.

In 2024, out of approximately 120 trillion VND allocated for public investment, the Ministry of Health received only 1.2 trillion VND (1%), and the Ministry of Education and Training received 1.5 trillion VND (1.2%).

For 2025, the proposed public investment allocation is 148 trillion VND, with the Ministry of Health receiving 5.7 trillion VND (3.7%) and the Ministry of Education and Training 2.9 trillion VND (1.9%).

For the 2021-2025 contingency funds and additional 2022 revenue of over 50 trillion VND, neither healthcare nor education received any allocation.

“With such low investment in healthcare and education, how can hospitals under the Ministry of Health and universities under the Ministry of Education and Training develop their infrastructure?” Cuong questioned.

Mr. Cuong cited a recent visit to Phu Tho, where he was impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities at Phu Tho General Hospital and Phu Tho Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, both operating under an autonomy mechanism.

“At the entrance, I couldn’t believe it was a hospital - it looked like a five-star hotel. The reception areas, examination rooms, inpatient wards, service areas, and children’s play zones resembled an international hospital,” he recounted.

However, hospital leaders shared concerns about the 11% loan interest rate they must pay for these modern facilities.

“If the cost was limited to depreciation for reinvestment and covering regular expenses, hospitals could confidently operate autonomously, and medical service prices would remain reasonable,” he said.

“But adding the 11% loan interest cost causes medical service prices to surge. Patients, who should only pay for medical services, now have to bear additional bank loan interest,” Cuong added.

Patients and students bear loan costs

This situation explains why central hospitals such as Bach Mai and Viet Duc hesitate to embrace autonomy, Cuong noted. "It’s better for patients to endure crowded conditions than for hospitals to secure loans, forcing patients to pay higher fees due to added interest costs," he said.

A similar issue arises in autonomous universities, where students face higher costs as institutions rely on loans for development.

“If hospitals and universities are forced to self-fund their operations, including securing loans, repaying interest, and covering principal repayments, patients and students will inevitably bear the burden of higher service costs,” Cuong warned.

Cuong urged reconsideration of public investment allocations for healthcare and education, suggesting sufficient funding for initial infrastructure and equipment before allowing institutions to operate autonomously.

“This approach would enable true autonomy for hospitals and universities, ensuring patients and students are not burdened with high costs,” Cuong said.

“While every sector requires investment, reallocating even a small portion from other fields to healthcare and education could provide millions of patients and students with better services at reasonable costs. Achieving comprehensive, high-quality human resource development will drive sustainable growth,” he concluded.

Thu Hang