Ben Tre voters believe that the population is aging and propose that there should be more drastic support policies, encouraging people to have two children, especially girls, to balance the male and female genders.
The proposal was made by Ben Tre voters when reflecting on issues related to the health sector before the 7th Session of the 15th National Assembly, in the context that Vietnam is entering a period of rapid population aging, low fertility and high gender imbalance.
In fact, our country began its population aging period in 2011, with the number of elderly people over 65 years old accounting for 7% of the total population. After 10 years, the number of elderly people accounts for 8.3% of the total population, or 8.16 million people. It is forecast to increase to 16.8 million by 2039, marking the time Vietnam enters an aging population period.
Meanwhile, our country’s fertility rate is low at a “worrying level” when the total birth rate in 2023 in the country is 1.96 children/woman, the lowest ever and is forecast to continue to decrease in the future. the following years. The ideal replacement fertility rate is 2.1 children/woman.
In particular, the gender gap at birth is still high. In 2023, the sex imbalance at birth remains high, 112 boys for every 100 girls, while the natural ratio is about 105/100. Gender imbalance has a negative impact on the future population structure and excess males.
A baby was born at Tu Du Hospital. Image: Thi Quan
Responding to this issue, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan said that Resolution 21 of the Government has set the goal of maintaining the ideal replacement fertility level nationwide until the end of 2023, increasing fertility in localities with low fertility levels. low fertility, reducing fertility in areas with high fertility. For example, some provinces and cities in low fertility areas will receive financial or in-kind support for those who give birth to two children, and support for medical expenses for one childbirth for women who give birth to two children before the age of 35. ; Reduce tuition fees from preschool to high school in the public education system.
Regarding the issue of sex imbalance at birth, officials aim to bring the sex ratio at birth to a natural balance, with less than 109 boys born per 100 girls born by 2030. In addition, it is necessary to intervene to change people’s awareness and behavior to give birth to boys and girls according to natural laws. Develop incentive and support policies to help enhance the role and position of women and girls in the family, community and society. At the same time, improve the enforcement of legal regulations on controlling sex imbalance at birth.
“To fundamentally handle the issues of supporting and encouraging people to have two children, especially girls for gender balance, the Ministry of Health is completing the Proposal to develop a Population Law and reporting The government next December plans to present it to the National Assembly in 2025,” Ms. Lan said.