Measures of the Capital's Development

Hanoi Today has recorded diverse opinions, showing that happiness is only truly sustainable when policies touch people's lives and bring peace of mind to every citizen.

Deputy Director of the Department of Social Protection ( Ministry of Health ), Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Toan:
Social security is a crucial foundation of the happiness index.

In recent years, the Party and State have paid special attention to perfecting the social security and assistance policy system, aiming to expand coverage and improve the quality of support. The implementation of social assistance has been unified, closely adhering to the regulations of the Social Insurance Law, creating a clearer and more consistent legal framework for caring for vulnerable groups. To date, an increasing number of people have access to social protection policies. Notably, many localities have proactively expanded the scope of beneficiaries, raising assistance levels higher than the general regulations of the Central Government, and broadening the target groups for support.

From a state management perspective, I believe that social security is one of the core foundations of the happiness index. When people have stable incomes, sustainable jobs, and receive timely support through practical assistance policies, they will feel secure, thereby improving their quality of life and level of satisfaction with society. Happiness does not only come from economic growth, but first and foremost from ensuring safety against life's risks.

Based on field surveys in several localities in Hanoi, it can be seen that social welfare work is implemented fairly evenly, and people's lives are basically ensured. This shows that policies have been and are being put into practice, not just on paper, but truly becoming a support for the people.

The social welfare system can be likened to an increasingly dense and wide "safety net." This net not only helps vulnerable people overcome adversity but also provides a foundation for them to confidently rise up, integrate into the community, and experience greater happiness in a developed and humane society.

Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairman of the People's Committee of Dan Hoa Commune, Dinh Huu Binh:
Making the happiness of the people the highest goal in grassroots governance.

Since implementing the two-tiered local government model, Dan Hoa commune has clearly defined its highest goal as serving the people and businesses, with priority given to vulnerable groups. All management activities are geared towards improving the quality of life and happiness index of the people, considering this the most important measure of the effectiveness of local government administration.

In 2025, social welfare work in the commune was implemented comprehensively with many practical results. Regarding healthcare, the commune coordinated with Military Hospital 108 and sponsors to organize free medical examinations and provide free medicine to 350 families of policy beneficiaries, war invalids, and martyrs, with a total support value of approximately 700 million VND. The commune also coordinated the distribution of 181 free social insurance books to members of near-poor households, helping people have a long-term social security support. One aspect highly appreciated by the people was the land management and the handling of administrative procedures for residents, especially those in difficult circumstances.

In 2026, Dan Hoa commune will continue to carefully review those in need of support, ensuring that no disadvantaged cases are overlooked. At the same time, the commune will strengthen the mobilization of social resources, calling on its children living away from home to join hands in building their homeland and developing a list of investments for sports fields and outdoor playgrounds for the elderly and children. The overarching goal is to build a government that is close to the people, for the people, and for the sustainable happiness of the community.

Ms. Bui Kim Phung, General Director of Nhan Tam Wood Company:
Businesses are working together to ensure "no one is left behind."

Through my involvement in charitable work via the Vietnam Children's Protection Fund, I have come to appreciate the crucial role of the State in building trust and ensuring businesses feel secure in their partnership. In reality, businesses often struggle to fully and accurately assess every situation at the grassroots level on their own. Only with a reputable intermediary acting as a bridge can social resources truly reach the right people and meet the right needs.

What makes us confident in continuing our charitable work is the transparent and responsible way in which the local authorities operate. The beneficiaries are thoroughly vetted; local leaders directly accompany the team to each family. This transparency is the foundation that reassures businesses that their sharing has contributed to bringing joy and peace of mind to the people.

I believe that happiness is measured not only by economic growth, but also by the level of satisfaction and the feeling of being cared for by each individual, especially vulnerable groups. In this context, businesses are not left out. We are ready to work alongside the State, local authorities, and social organizations to care for welfare and create a sustainable foundation for development.

Mr. Vu Thai Binh (71 years old, Cau Giay ward, Hanoi):
Policies that "touch" people's lives

At this age, I feel very strongly that happiness lies in the peace of mind and fulfillment of every policy that touches people's lives. My family spent 55 years searching for the remains of my maternal uncle – a martyr who died on the battlefield in Long An. In December 2024, thanks to the support of associations assisting families of martyrs and relevant agencies, my family was finally able to bring him back to his hometown. That was a moment that not only my family, but many other relatives of martyrs, had waited for their entire lives.

I also strongly agree with Hanoi's approach of using the satisfaction and happiness of its people as a measure of development. For the elderly, happiness is most clearly demonstrated in having convenient access to healthcare. I particularly support improving the capacity of grassroots healthcare, so that people, especially the elderly, can receive medical examinations and treatment right in their wards and communes, reducing overcrowding at higher-level hospitals.

When the local health center performs well, and people receive care in terms of health, compassion, and rights, then major policies will truly be implemented. That is the lasting happiness that people long for.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/thuoc-do-su-phat-trien-thu-do-730587.html