HCMC – Phan Van Mai, chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee, has urged the relevant agencies to address the rising concerns about a lack of drugs and medical equipment.

Mai said the media coverage of a shortage of medical supplies at hospitals and health facilities in Hanoi and HCMC have sparked anxiety in society.

He asked the city’s Department of Health to take measures so as to reassure locals about sufficient supplies in the healthcare sector.

According to the department, the bidding procedure for procurement of drugs and medical equipment has remained tough.

In particular, around 10% of the items are specialized equipment, which few companies can supply. Hospitals and health facilities have been struggling to secure three offered prices in the bidding process as required by the current regulations.

Recently, the Ministry of Health recommended revising the Law on Pharmacy to establish a special mechanism to eliminate bottlenecks.