The population of HCMC is forecast to rise to around 8.6 million by 2015 with an average life expectancy of 75.9 years.

The city’s current population nearly reaches 7.4 million people with the average life expectancy of 75.1, exclusive of one million migrant workers in the city.

Under the population and healthcare plan in the 2011-2015 period recently approved by the HCMC government, the city is looking to keep its human development index (HDI) at a high level by 2015. The city’s HDI ranked third among 63 provinces and cities nationwide in 2009.

One of the difficulties with population management the city is facing is a considerable rise of permanent residents with average growth of 3.5% per year. The large population, the uneven population distribution among districts, a large number of migrants from other provinces and uneven educational levels have exposed the city to population control, healthcare and family planning challenges.

In terms of healthcare, according to the city government, HIV infections need greater attention. There were 1,064 people infected with HIV in the year’s first half.

In the plan, the city also wants to improve healthcare for migrants, people with disabilities and HIV carriers.

SGT