Andrological diseases are included in the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases, but the medications for treatment are currently not covered by health insurance. Experts propose including them in the list of covered medications.
The proposal was put forward by Professor Nguyen Anh Tri (former Director of the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion) at a recent discussion session in the National Assembly .
On November 24th, in an interview with VnExpress , Mr. Tri stated that previously, people often considered male reproductive health issues as "carefree diseases" rather than medical conditions. Meanwhile, erectile dysfunction and weak libido significantly impact quality of life, and are particularly a cause of infertility.
"Since the WHO has included male reproductive health issues in the International Classification of Diseases, medications for treating these conditions should be covered by health insurance," Mr. Tri said.
Concurring with this view, Dr. Nguyen The Luong, Deputy Director of Hanoi Kidney Hospital, stated that the number of men suffering from urological diseases is increasing. A study from the University of Massachusetts (USA) showed that erectile dysfunction occurs in approximately 42% of men aged 40 to 70. The rate of premature ejaculation is about 30%, meaning that one in three men suffers from this condition. Vietnam does not yet have official statistics on the number of men suffering from urological diseases.
A patient receives consultation from a urologist. Photo: Health
According to Dr. Luong, men suffering from these conditions are directly affected in terms of their health, quality of life, and family happiness. Therefore, the demand for treatment is increasing. However, not all cases can access treatment because male health medications are quite expensive. For example, Viagra – used to treat erectile dysfunction – costs about $10 per pill. Medications for premature ejaculation also cost nearly $10 per pill. Hormonal-related products such as lubricants cost about 2 million VND per month, while injections cost over 1 million VND per month. Even tests related to male health are expensive, costing over 1 million VND per test.
"Many men have to leave after their examinations because they can't afford the medication," Dr. Luong said, adding that if these medications were partially covered by health insurance, it would make it easier for patients to access men's health care services.
Recently, experts have also proposed that health insurance cover the costs of infertility treatment. Regarding this proposal, a representative from the Vietnam Social Insurance Agency stated that whether or not health insurance will cover these costs in the future needs to be considered by policymakers based on an assessment of the budget; the impact of the new policy on the health insurance fund; financial capacity; and appropriate regulations on the level of support.
Le Nga - Le Phuong
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