The Ministry of Health proposes solutions to address the drug shortage.

Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen affirmed that recently, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been shortages of medicines and medical supplies in some units and localities, but these were only localized, occurring at certain times and in certain units, not everywhere. Citing the survey at Hue Central Hospital as an example, Mr. Tuyen stated that the hospital confirmed it did not have a shortage of medicines or medical supplies.

According to Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen, the procurement of medicines and medical supplies at healthcare facilities depends on two factors: firstly, the completion of the institutional framework (laws, decrees, and circulars) related to the procurement of medicines and medical supplies; and secondly, the organization of implementation at the local level, in healthcare units and facilities.

"The institutional framework is in place, but the implementation at the local level, in units and facilities, is still problematic, making it impossible to have sufficient medicines and medical supplies. For example, do localities allocate the necessary funds? Does the contractor selection process ensure compliance with requirements? How are contractors selected, and even if a contractor is chosen, will they be willing to supply the medicines and medical supplies?" - The Deputy Minister of Health analyzed.

Recognizing this problem, the Ministry of Health has proposed solutions to address it, specifically by advising the National Assembly and the Government, and coordinating with relevant ministries to issue circulars, decrees, and laws.

In accordance with its authority, in 2023, the Ministry of Health advised the Government to submit to the National Assembly Resolution 80, a very significant resolution on the issue of automatically granting drug registration numbers. Based on this content, it will be included in the draft Law on Pharmaceuticals (amended) expected to be submitted for approval in October. If done well, it will reform the administrative process in granting drug registration and renewal certificates.

In addition, Government Resolution 30 on continuing to implement solutions to ensure the supply of medicines and medical equipment has also resolved many difficulties and obstacles. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health has advised and submitted to the National Assembly for promulgation the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment (amended), which will take effect from January 1, 2024.

The Ministry of Health, in coordination with the Ministry of Planning and Investment, submitted the Law on Bidding; and in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, submitted the Law on Pricing. After these laws were enacted, the Ministry of Health continued to issue implementing documents for the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment; and in coordination with the Ministry of Planning and Investment, issued a Circular on medical examination and treatment. The Ministry also proactively issued Circulars under the Law guiding the bidding process for medical supplies; the list of drugs subject to centralized bidding; and regulations on drug bidding at medical facilities. The Ministry provided specific guidance on the steps and procedures for drafting these regulations.

The Ministry of Health is also coordinating with relevant units to finalize two extremely important draft laws: the Law on Pharmaceuticals (amended) and the Law on Social Insurance (amended), which are expected to be submitted to the National Assembly in October 2024. If the Law on Pharmaceuticals (amended) is passed, the Ministry will submit five policies, which basically involve significant administrative procedure reforms as requested by the Prime Minister, aiming to expedite the drug registration process. This will create favorable conditions for businesses and establishments to import drugs.

The documents also have several notable new features, such as: allowing the use of only one price quote or permitting the use of the highest price quote that matches the financial capacity, expertise, and needs of units, localities, and medical facilities (previously, three price quotes were required).

In addition, procurement may be conducted through direct contracting in urgent cases to maintain regular operating expenses; the Procurement Law is implemented in cases of emergency care for patients in critical condition as stipulated in the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment (if any), including consulting and non-consulting service packages, drugs, chemicals, laboratory supplies, medical equipment, components, accessories, vehicles, and construction due to unforeseen needs, lack of substitutes, and mandatory use to ensure the health and lives of patients; medical facilities may apply the option to purchase additional drugs immediately, up to a maximum of 30% of the quantity not yet included in the contract.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/bo-y-te-de-ra-giai-phap-khac-phuc-tinh-trang-thieu-thuoc.html