The Ministry of Health has agreed in principle to pilot outpatient prescriptions for chronic diseases for up to 90 days and has delegated authority to hospital heads. The specific duration will depend on the patient’s condition, health status, and other factors. However, it must be based on the assessment of the treating physician.
The Ministry of Health needs to have specific proposals and select suitable hospitals to pilot, based on which hospital directors will issue a pilot list for each unit. The pilot period is 6 months, starting from October 1, 2024 to the end of March 2025.
While waiting for the pilot, the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management continues to complete the draft Circular and seek opinions from units on the draft Circular.
After receiving sufficient feedback, conferences and workshops will be held to finalize the Circular, evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot program to extend the time for outpatient prescriptions for chronic diseases, with special attention paid to the effectiveness of treatment for specific diseases (tuberculosis, HIV, etc.) in coordination with hospital directors.
The Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management is synthesizing opinions from units to develop a report on the implementation of Circular 52/2017/TT-BYT.
Previously, Vietnam Social Security sent an official dispatch to the Ministry of Health to continue proposing to extend the time for prescribing and dispensing outpatient medications for chronic diseases; promptly direct and guide or amend and supplement Circular 52/2017/TT-BYT regulating prescriptions for outpatient treatment of chronic diseases.
Vietnam Social Security proposes to extend the time for prescribing and dispensing drugs for patients with stable chronic diseases (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.) with the prescribed quantity of drugs used for at least 60 days. During the time of taking medication, patients need to go to the doctor to see a doctor and still enjoy the health insurance regime.
In order to reduce the number of times patients have to go to medical facilities for re-examination, reduce the overload at medical facilities... Vietnam Social Security has proposed that the Ministry of Health issue regulations on prescription as follows: For patients with stable chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension...), the number of prescribed drugs must be enough for a minimum of 60 days, and a maximum of 90 days.
For patients who have been treated with ARV drugs for 12 months or more, the prescribed and provided treatment drugs must be used for a minimum of 60 days and a maximum of 90 days. Only in the case of patients treated for chronic diseases at the primary level (medical centers, clinics), the Ministry of Health is requested to allow the provision of treatment drugs for no more than 30 days.
