Phu Tho ensures social security for the disadvantaged

The latest statistics show that currently in the province there are more than 143,000 beneficiaries of monthly social allowances in the community; nearly 560,000 elderly people aged 60 and over, accounting for 14.25% of the province's population, of which over 50,000 elderly people are receiving monthly social allowances according to the Law on the Elderly.

Phu Tho is one of the typical localities in the country with many practical policies to take care of the health of the elderly.

The whole province has more than 910,000 children, accounting for 24% of the population, of which more than 10,000 are children in special circumstances. In the province, there are currently 4 social assistance facilities, receiving, managing, caring for, nurturing, and rehabilitating nearly 800 homeless elderly people; children in special circumstances; people with disabilities...

The number of poor and near-poor households in the whole province by the end of November 2025 was about 2.9%, a significant decrease compared to the time before the merger. The consolidation of administrative boundaries has created conditions for the social security policy system to be unified, reducing duplication and improving support efficiency.

Since July 2025, the province has focused on reviewing all social protection beneficiaries and standardizing social security data on a digital platform, thereby ensuring that 98% of regular subsidy applications are processed online on time. These seemingly dry numbers are evidence of a clear shift in the province's approach to the disadvantaged in a faster, more transparent and more timely manner.

The Social Work and Social Assistance Centers after the merger were consolidated in a multi-functional direction, receiving an average of hundreds of disabled people for rehabilitation training each month, nearly double the number before the merger. Vocational training, career guidance, and legal advice classes were also expanded, helping many people become more confident in their journey to integrate into the community.

The biggest advantage of Phu Tho after the merger is the unified policy system, centralized data and more effective coordination of investment resources. Many businesses and social organizations in the area have expanded their volunteer programs, supporting livelihoods for the poor and the disabled. Many small but effective livelihood models such as mushroom growing, textiles, and household-scale OCOP product production are spreading in many communes and wards.

However, difficulties still exist, especially in remote areas where people with disabilities and disadvantaged people have great needs but limited access to health care, education and vocational support services. Some poor households after the merger have switched to a new management method, so it takes time to adapt to the processes and procedures. Some rehabilitation facilities still lack modern equipment and cannot fully meet the needs of patients.

Although human resources for social work have been focused on, they are not yet synchronized, especially at the commune level - where the difficulties of the beneficiaries are directly managed and understood. This is a bottleneck that requires the province to continue training, fostering and enhancing professionalism in the coming time.

Since July 1, the province has spent nearly 300 billion VND on regular social assistance and policies to support the disadvantaged; more than 4,200 people with disabilities have been granted new or changed certificates; nearly 2,000 people have been supported with assistive devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and rehabilitation equipment. Poverty reduction alone has achieved many remarkable results: More than 3,500 households have escaped poverty sustainably in less than half a year; over 1,200 households have accessed preferential loans to restore production; more than 8,000 poor and near-poor people have received free medical examination and treatment or reduced fees under the health insurance policy.

The examples of self-reliance and self-improvement are increasingly appearing. Many disabled people, after vocational training, have become owners of small economic models, creating jobs for people in similar situations. These stories not only touch people’s hearts but also affirm the province’s correct approach in awakening the inner strength of the disadvantaged.

Identifying social security as one of the pillars of sustainable development, in the coming time, the province will continue to strengthen the synchronous social security data system, creating maximum conditions for the disadvantaged to access policies without barriers. The infrastructure of the protection centers will be upgraded in a modern, friendly direction, gradually approaching the professional service delivery model.

The province is also developing a project to support livelihoods for people with disabilities and poor households on the basis of digital transformation, connecting businesses with vulnerable groups, and expanding product consumption markets. In addition, communication work and raising public awareness about the rights of people with disabilities continue to be strengthened so that each vulnerable person can clearly feel equality in life.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December 3, is not only an occasion for gratitude and sharing, but also a reminder that sustainable development cannot be without humane policies for the most vulnerable. With what has been and is being implemented, Phu Tho shows a strong determination in realizing the goal of "leaving no one behind", accompanying the disadvantaged on the path towards a more fulfilled, confident and happy life.

Quang Nam

Source: https://baophutho.vn/phu-tho-bao-dam-an-sinh-xa-hoi-cho-nguoi-yeu-the-243563.htm