The Ministry of Health has a document sent to the Departments of Health of provinces and cities; health sectors of ministries and sectors; medical examination and treatment facilities and pharmaceutical business establishments on the implementation of new regulations related to the program to support free medicines for patients.
According to the Ministry of Health, the Minister of Health has issued Circular No. 16/2026/TT-BYT regulating the implementation of free drug support programs for medical examination and treatment facilities to serve treatment for patients. The issuance of the circular aims to ensure that the implementation process is carried out uniformly, publicly, transparently, safely, and at the same time prevent the situation of taking advantage of drug support programs for advertising, promotion, marketing or affecting the professional indications of doctors.
The Ministry of Health requests the Departments of Health of localities, health sectors of ministries, branches and medical examination and treatment facilities to urgently disseminate, thoroughly grasp and fully implement the provisions of Circular No. 16/2026/TT-BYT to all relevant units, departments and individuals. The implementation must ensure compliance with regulations and uniformity nationwide.
For pharmaceutical business establishments, the Ministry of Health requests to carefully study and fully implement the regulations of the new circular. At the same time, units need to proactively coordinate with medical examination and treatment facilities in implementing programs to support free medicines for patients in accordance with the law.
Notably, for free drug support programs approved by the Minister of Health before Circular No. 16/2026/TT-BYT took effect and still within its implementation period, these programs will continue to be implemented until the expiration of the approved period. However, relevant units must still comply with regulations on drug management and use, reporting regime, dossier storage as well as the responsibilities of parties as prescribed in Articles 4, 5 and 6 of the circular.
The Ministry of Health also requests agencies and units in the process of implementation, if difficulties and obstacles arise, to promptly report to the Health Insurance Department for guidance or summarize, and report to competent authorities for consideration and resolution according to regulations.
The implementation of Circular No. 16/2026/TT-BYT is expected to contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of managing free drug support programs, ensuring the rights of patients, and at the same time improving the transparency and responsibility of participating units.
