At the international scientific conference "Innovation in Sustainable Development of Medicines from Medicinal Materials" organized by the Institute of Medicinal Materials on April 8, Standing Deputy Minister of Health Vu Manh Ha said that the cost of traditional medicine is still low, only about 4%, low compared to the potential. The reasons are difficulties in bidding, supply disruption and competition from new pharmaceuticals. The Ministry of Health is developing a Circular to expand the list, facilitate health insurance payments and prioritize the development of this field.
Also according to the Deputy Minister of Health, Vietnam possesses abundant natural resources with more than 5,000 species of medicinal plants, along with thousands of years of traditional medicine. This is an important advantage for developing medicinal herbs, contributing to taking care of people's health and promoting socio-economic development.
Over the past time, many major guidelines and policies have been issued to develop this field. Notable are Resolution 72-NQ/TW on promoting the potential of traditional medicine; Directive 25/CT-TTg on developing medicinal herbs in the direction of industry, standardization and application of digital technology; along with Resolution 57-NQ/TW emphasizing the role of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation.
Appreciating the significance of the conference, leaders of the Ministry of Health said that this is an important forum for scientists at home and abroad to exchange academic knowledge, share experiences, publish research results, and promote international cooperation and attract investment in the field of medicinal herbs.
To develop the medicinal herb industry sustainably, the Ministry of Health proposes to focus on 5 key tasks: First, clarify the scientific basis, link conservation with sustainable exploitation and properly assess the potential of each region and each type of medicinal herb.
Second, promote the application of science and technology in the entire value chain, linking research with production, creating valuable products.
Third, develop planting areas in the direction of standardization, scale, ensuring quality, safety and applying digital technology in management and traceability.
Fourth, strengthen links between research, training, businesses and international cooperation to transfer technology and expand markets.
Fifth, summarize the results of the workshop, propose appropriate mechanisms and policies to promote the development of medicinal herbs and traditional medicine.
In particular, the cost of traditional medicine is still low, it is necessary to prioritize putting it into the list to maximize strengths. According to the orientation, the selection of drugs must ensure safety, effectiveness, rationality and be suitable for the affordability of the health insurance fund, and at the same time be based on strict criteria on origin, research and treatment effectiveness.
