New health policies implemented in 2024 have had a positive impact on people's rights. Changes in the areas of health insurance, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology are creating significant improvements in the quality and efficiency of healthcare services.
New health policies implemented in 2024 have had a positive impact on people's rights. Changes in the areas of health insurance, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology are creating significant improvements in the quality and efficiency of healthcare services.
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| With the new health policies, people have easier access to healthcare services (Photo: D.T). |
People benefit from policy changes.
Health insurance plays a crucial role in reducing the financial burden of healthcare for the population, but the current system still has some significant shortcomings. Hospital referrals and complex administrative procedures are two major problems that people face. In the context of increasing demand for medical services, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, reforms to the health insurance system have become even more urgent.
Therefore, the National Assembly's approval of the Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Health Insurance Law, based on a proposal from the Ministry of Health, has helped to increase benefits for health insurance participants. Specifically, it includes the regulation of inter-facility referral in health insurance-covered medical examinations and treatments. This can be considered a revolution in the management and organization of medical examinations and treatments. Accordingly, instead of having to transfer through multiple levels of hospitals, patients will be guaranteed the right to medical examination and treatment at the nearest facility, reducing cumbersome administrative procedures, and saving travel time and costs.
The amended Law on Health Insurance stipulates an increase in the proportion of expenditure for medical examination and treatment to 92%, while reducing the proportion for the reserve fund and other activities to 8%.
However, this also presents a significant challenge for lower-level healthcare facilities. To meet the demands for quality service, these hospitals need additional investment in infrastructure and personnel training. Improving the quality of services at lower-level hospitals not only helps alleviate the burden on higher-level hospitals but also creates equity in access to quality healthcare services across regions. Furthermore, facilitating direct referral of patients with serious illnesses to central-level hospitals is also a crucial reform.
According to Ms. Tran Thi Trang, Director of the Health Insurance Department (Ministry of Health), compared to the current law, the Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Health Insurance Law introduces 8 fundamental and noteworthy new points aimed at overcoming the difficulties and shortcomings that have existed over 15 years of implementation.
The new law stipulates an increase in the proportion of spending on medical examination and treatment to 92%, while reducing the proportion for the reserve fund and other activities to 8%. This optimizes the use of health insurance funds, ensuring that resources are allocated rationally and effectively. The application of information technology and digital transformation in health insurance will create transparency and ease in management and supervision.
Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical industry is also witnessing a significant reform. The amended Law on Pharmaceuticals has introduced measures to promote the industry's stronger development. The enactment of the Law creates a legal framework for the chain pharmacy model and the e-commerce of pharmaceuticals, making it easier for businesses to manage and supply medicines to healthcare facilities.
Another highlight of the reform of the Pharmaceutical Law is the simplification of administrative procedures in granting drug marketing authorization, which helps minimize duplication and complexity, creating favorable conditions for domestic drug manufacturers.
Preventing new health threats
One of the strong and necessary decisions made by the Ministry of Health recently is the proposal to ban e-cigarettes. This not only helps protect the younger generation but also reduces the burden on the healthcare system in treating tobacco-related diseases. It is also a measure aimed at creating a healthier living environment for the community.
Furthermore, policies promoting the application of information technology in the healthcare sector, especially online medical examination and treatment services and electronic health record management, have brought about significant changes in how people receive healthcare. Online healthcare applications not only help reduce time and costs for patients but also create a quick and convenient way to access healthcare services.
However, the development of technology also poses a significant challenge regarding equitable access. Not everyone has access to technology, especially those living in rural or mountainous areas, or the elderly who are unfamiliar with electronic devices.
Overall, the Ministry of Health's policies have had a positive impact on the rights of the people. However, to achieve maximum effectiveness, some adjustments and improvements are needed in their implementation. First, effective solutions are needed to expand health insurance coverage to all citizens. In addition, the quality of healthcare services, especially at public health facilities, needs to be improved to ensure that health insurance not only reduces costs but also provides better services.
Regarding tobacco and pharmaceutical control, the Ministry of Health needs to strengthen public awareness and education campaigns about new tobacco products and their health risks. Simultaneously, it should enhance inspection and monitoring measures.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health needs to focus on improving access to online healthcare services for all, especially those in remote areas and the elderly. Alongside this, healthcare policies need to be adjusted to be more consistent and practical, ensuring that all citizens can access and benefit from modern healthcare services without financial or technological barriers.
Source: https://baodautu.vn/thay-doi-chinh-sach-vi-mot-he-thong-y-te-cong-bang-hon-d238492.html
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