If the facility has problems, it cannot have enough medicine
On the afternoon of August 5, at the regular Government press conference in July 2024, Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen informed about solutions to overcome the current drug shortage at some hospitals.
Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen affirmed that recently, especially after the COVID-19 epidemic, there has been a shortage of drugs and medical supplies in some units and localities, but only in localities. sets, at some times, units but not all.
Leaders of the Ministry of Health said that to carry out the procurement of drugs and medical supplies at medical facilities depends on two factors: First of all, perfecting the institution (law documents, decrees, notifications, etc.) private) related to the issue of procurement of drugs and medical supplies; Organize implementation in localities, units, and medical facilities.
“The institutions are complete, but the implementation stage at localities, units, and facilities remains problematic: there are not enough drugs and medical supplies. For example, do localities allocate funds?...", analyzed the Deputy Minister of Health.
According to its authority, right in 2023, the Ministry of Health advised the Government to submit to the National Assembly for promulgation of Resolution 80, which is very meaningful in the issue of automatic issuance of drug circulation registration numbers.
Based on this content, it will be included in the Pharmaceutical Law (amended) project expected to be submitted for approval in October. If done well, there will be administrative reform in granting drug registration renewals.
In addition, Resolution 30 of the Government on continuing to implement solutions to ensure drugs and medical equipment also removes many difficulties and obstacles. Along with that, the Ministry of Health has advised and submitted to the National Assembly to promulgate the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment (amended) effective from January 1, 2024.
The Ministry of Health has coordinated with the Ministry of Planning and Investment to present the Bidding Law; Coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to submit the Price Law. After the Laws are implemented, the Ministry of Health continues to issue documents to implement the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment; Coordinate with the Ministry of Planning and Investment to promulgate a Circular on medical examination and treatment.
The Ministry also proactively issued a Circular under the Law providing guidance on the field of medical supplies investment; list of drugs for centralized bidding; Regulations on drug bidding at medical facilities, the Ministry has given specific instructions on construction steps and processes.
Towards strong administrative procedure reform
According to Deputy Minister Do Xuan Tuyen, if the Pharmacy Law (amended) is passed, the Ministry of Health will present policies aimed at strong administrative procedure reform at the request of the Prime Minister to speed up progress. issuance of drug registration certificate. From there, creating conditions for businesses and business establishments to import drugs.
The documents also have many outstanding new features such as:
First, allow the use of 1 quote or allow the highest quote suitable to the financial capacity, expertise, and needs of the units, localities, and medical facilities (previously there had to be 3 quotes). price).
Second, be appointed a contractor in urgent cases to maintain regular spending activities.
Third, the Bidding Law is implemented in cases of emergency treatment of patients in an emergency situation according to the provisions of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment (if any). This includes bidding packages for consulting and non-consulting services, drugs, chemicals, testing supplies, medical equipment, components, accessories, vehicles, and construction due to unexpected and unforeseen needs. Replacement items that must be used to ensure the health and life of patients.
Fourth, medical facilities are given the option to immediately purchase up to 30% of the quantity under the contract that is not yet available.
"Those are 4 new points in the instructions for bidding and procurement of drugs and medical supplies to help solve the drug shortage situation. However, through the survey process, the problem is whether the institution for bidding and procurement of drugs fully, but mainly lies in the organization of implementation at the grassroots level, as long as it is done openly, transparently and without signs of group interests, corruption or waste in implementing this", Deputy Minister of Health Te emphasized.
