Step forward for the chronically ill

Satisfy expectations

The list of 252 diseases is a timely adjustment, in line with the current trend of increasing chronic diseases, while creating favorable conditions for patients, especially those in remote areas - where access to specialized medical services is still difficult.

Staff of Thang Mo Commune Health Station, dispensing medicine to chronic patients.

Mr. Nguyen Van Dang, 85 years old, Minh Xuan ward shared: He has had high blood pressure for many years. Although the hospital is near his house, he has to go there at 6:30 am every month to queue for his turn. When he learned that he would be given medicine for 3 months/time for patients with stable chronic diseases, he was very happy. He said that if the medicine was given for a longer period, he would not have to travel as much, and would not have to stop or stop taking the medicine because sometimes the "weather changes" that make it impossible for him to go to the hospital for a check-up on time.

Hearing that her mother's diabetes is on the list of chronic diseases that are prescribed medication every 3 months, Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan, Group 5, Bac Me Commune, was very excited. Ms. Lan shared: "For many years now, my mother has had diabetes, her legs hurt and she has difficulty walking, so every month I arrange my work to take her to the doctor. Therefore, when the Ministry of Health issued Circular No. 26/2025/TT-BYT regulating prescriptions and prescriptions of pharmaceuticals and biological products in outpatient treatment, allowing doctors to prescribe medication for up to 3 months for some chronic diseases, it not only helps patients avoid having to travel and wait, but also helps reduce hospital overload. Families with relatives with chronic diseases like mine are also less affected in their work."

Efforts for patients and reducing the burden on the health system

Pharmacist Nguyen Duc Dung, Deputy Director of Ha Giang General Hospital, said: "Currently, the hospital is treating and managing 5,000 people with chronic diseases, of which over 50% of patients have been monitored for over 2 years and their health is stable. For patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, hypothyroidism after treatment... if their health is not stable after treatment, they need to be monitored and treated until they are stable. However, treatment and prescription need to be individualized for each patient, the doctor will base on the patient's medical history, response to the drug... so that the patient can be treated in the best way."

Mr. Ly Quoc Khanh, Ha Giang 2 Ward said: “My mother has a history of diabetes and high blood pressure, I think it is very reasonable to increase the time to provide medicine for patients with chronic diseases. However, because my mother's indicators often change, my mother still has to go to the hospital every month for a check-up and periodic health check-up before getting medicine for peace of mind.”

Meritorious physician, specialist doctor II Hoang Van Hai, Deputy Head of General Planning - Quality Management Department, Phuong Bac General Hospital, said that prescribing long-term medication is a very positive change, which will help patients save costs, reduce the number of trips, save time and effort, especially for patients living far away.

In addition, Dr. Hai also emphasized the importance of individualization in prescribing. “The right to prescribe every 3 months does not mean that every patient should be prescribed that way. Doctors are required to carefully assess the specific condition of each patient. Our point of view is that prescribing needs to be individualized - each patient has a regimen, not mechanical. Doing so will both save the Health Insurance Fund and help patients comply with treatment better.”

Article and photos: Minh Hoa

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/xa-hoi/y-te/202507/buoc-tienvi-nguoi-benh-man-tinh-37c351a/