Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) According to DocumentNo. 514/VPCP-KGVX dated August 24, 2022, PM Chinh requested the Acting Ministerof Health to carefully assess recommendations of experts in order to direct theimplementation of proper solutions.
Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) They underlined theneed to assess the extent and situation of drug shortages at all levels fromcentral health establishments to local facilities, and determine the cause of medicineshortages at each unit.
A number of contentsrelated to medicine prices inthe Pharmacy Law, and provisions of theLaw on Bidding need to be considered, they said.
The Ministry of Healthwas reminded to urgently amend and soon issue circulars related to biddinginstructions, drug registration and prices; and guidelines for procurement ofmedical equipment, including medical supplies.
Issues under theauthority of the MoH, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Planning andInvestment, which remain stuck and affect relevant bidding activities, must bereviewed, participants said.
They also emphasisedthe necessity to improve the capacity and responsibility of agencies relatingto the bidding work, strengthen the state governance at all levels, and promotethe application of IT in this work.
According to Dao KhanhTung, a representative from the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam, the State can significantly save on drug costs in the way that UNDP has beensupporting countries.
Specifically,every two years, UNDP will organise a global tender, then negotiate withmanufacturers and suppliers of drugs and medical supplies around the world tohelp poor and developing countries access to the right supply of generic drugs,brand-name medicines and other medical goods at their right prices.
UNDP’s such supportis to minimise the intermediary stages, and ensure transparency of the price,thus benefiting not only patients but also countries whose budgets arealready tight, Tung said./.
VNA
