To proactively respond to the aging population and effectively implement social security policies, the Hai Phong City People's Committee has officially issued a document to implement Directive No. 35/CT-TTg dated December 23, 2025, from the Prime Minister. The city identifies work concerning the elderly as a regular, long-term task linked to sustainable development goals.
Breakthroughs in Specialized Healthcare
One of the key highlights of the city's plan is improving the quality of medical services specifically for the elderly. Accordingly, Hai Phong strives to have at least 02 specialized-level hospitals by 2030, forming geriatric hospitals and general hospitals with distinct geriatric departments.
Alongside specialized treatment, the city will complete the rehabilitation system and effectively coordinate medical facilities with community care centers. In particular, Health Stations in communes, wards, and special zones are assigned to organize periodic health check-ups and screenings for common diseases in the elderly at least once a year.
Developing the "Silver Economy" and Community Care
To adapt to the aging population, Hai Phong is not only focusing on care but also aiming to promote the role and value of the elderly. The city has assigned the Association of the Elderly to lead research and propose models for developing the "silver economy" (Silver Economy) – an economic trend based on the needs of the elderly.
Regarding care models, the city encourages the implementation of daytime care services and community activity houses following the "morning pick-up, evening drop-off" method. Commune-level People's Committees will review and rearrange redundant headquarters and facilities to prioritize the development of these centers, while simultaneously replicating the Intergenerational Self-Help Club model to increase local access to social services.
Ensuring Rights and Friendly Infrastructure
The City People's Committee requires Departments and sectors to ensure the full implementation of social assistance policies, support for purchasing health insurance cards, and pension subsidies as prescribed. In the field of infrastructure, the Department of Construction is responsible for appraising the designs of housing, public works, and transportation systems to ensure they are suitable for the movement and living characteristics of the elderly.
Additionally, the issue of employment for the elderly is also of concern. The Department of Home Affairs is assigned to lead the guidance on legal regulations for elderly workers and direct job support for those who still have the need and ability to work.
Clear Assignment of Responsibilities
To ensure that Directive 35 is implemented effectively, the city has assigned specific tasks to each unit:
- Department of Health: Acting as the focal point for monitoring, urging, inspecting, and periodically reporting on implementation results.
- Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism: Organizing cultural and health-improvement activities to enhance the mental well-being of the elderly.
- People's Committees of communes, wards, and special zones: Directly implementing local policies and allocating appropriate funding to care for the elderly at their places of residence.
With the synchronized involvement of the entire political system, Hai Phong is determined to build a friendly social environment, ensuring that the elderly live healthy, happy lives and continue to contribute their wisdom to the development of the port city.