Hanoi (VNA)🍷 - The healthcare system must fulfil three key roles in the new phase - serving as a robust pillar for social welfare and human development, a trusted shield for health security, and a significant contributor to economic growth, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Health (MoH)’s Planning and Finance Department Associate Prof. Phan Le Thu Hang has stated.

Identifying opportunities, overcoming challenges

Hang emphasised that to develop effectively and sustainably, the healthcare system must not only identify and capitalise on the numerous opportunities but also deal with the challenges it faces, both externally and internally. One of the major advantages Vietnam holds is the country's high level of political determination and long-term commitment to health care. The Party, National Assembly, and Government have consistently prioritised health care, recognising it as a top concern for the well-being of the people. In tandem with socio-economic development, the expanding economy provides more favourable conditions for increasing healthcare investments. Furthermore, citizens are becoming more aware of the importance of health and the value of health care, thus encouraging greater community participation in optimising health.

However, the official underlined that the healthcare system also faces both global challenges and internal issues. These include the growing demand for healthcare services, higher expectations regarding service quality, the shift towards non-communicable diseases, the aging population, the increasing threat of emerging diseases, and the adverse effects of climate change and industrialisation. Additionally, rising healthcare costs are adding further pressure on the system. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has passed, its consequences are still being felt. The healthcare sector now faces an increase in demand due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic, along with difficulties arising from supply chain interruptions and higher prices of healthcare supplies due to trade protection policies. The ongoing geopolitical competition, trade disputes, and armed conflicts are reshaping global supply chains. This has reversed the progress made in globalisation, resulting in increased protectionist measures and putting the security of global healthcare goods supply at risk, she held.

Six key areas need reforms

In the context of this new development phase, Hang, who is also head of the project for grassroots healthcare system investment and development, underscored the necessity of continuous reforms in six key components. These reforms should be carried out within a unified framework to ensure effective interaction and optimisation of the overall impact, she said.

Party General Secretary To Lam, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and their entourage visit the Institute for Health Protection of Central Officials (A11) and the Clinical Institute for Infectious Diseases (A4) (Photo: VietnamPlus) Firstly, a fundamental shift in healthcare governance is necessary. The traditional linear management models must evolve into systems based on scientific evidence, performance outcomes, and transparent, accountable practices. The new governance approach should foster resilience and adaptability, ensuring the healthcare system remains responsive to the complex and dynamic challenges it faces. Secondly, Hang pointed to the need for continuous improvement in healthcare service delivery to meet the growing demand and ensure that quality basic services are available and accessible to the public. Special emphasis should be placed on preventive care, primary healthcare, food safety, and traditional medicine, ensuring that citizens benefit from the progress and development of the nation in ways that directly impact their health and well-being. Thirdly, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies should be improved by refining management processes and utilising advanced technology, the healthcare system can better manage the supply of medicines, vaccines, and medical equipment. This includes enhancing pharmaceutical industry development, ensuring the availability of critical healthcare supplies, and reducing costs through centralised bidding and price negotiations. Fourthly, healthcare science and technology must undergo continous innovation. By improving access to advanced medical products and strengthening research capacities in fields such as disease prevention, cancer treatment, biotechnology, and vaccine development, Vietnam can position itself as a leader in medical advancements. Embracing high-tech healthcare solutions will ensure a healthier future for the population. The official also stressed the need to speed up healthcare workforce development, explaining that to meet the new requirements of the sector, significant investment in the workforce is required, with focus on improving the quality, structure, and distribution of healthcare professionals. Fifthly, the healthcare financing system requires comprehensive reform. Expanding financial resources and ensuring efficient allocation and use of funds are critical for building sustainable healthcare infrastructure. This includes improving financial accessibility to healthcare services and providing robust financial protection for citizens. Adjusting health insurance contributions, implementing cost-based pricing for services, and exploring new ways to expand insurance coverage will be key in securing the financial stability of the healthcare system, she added. Lastly, the shift toward digitalisation in healthcare is paramount. Hang underlined that establishing a “smart healthcare” system, which includes smart disease prevention, diagnosis, and management, should be prioritised. This involves improving the legal framework, technical guidelines, and IT infrastructure while ensuring the security of healthcare data. Effective use of digital tools will enable the healthcare system to better respond to the growing needs of the population and enhance its efficiency and accessibility, said the official./.