The Ministry of Health in Vietnam is reviewing and amending the list of medications covered by the health insurance fund, with plans to expand coverage to 349 new drugs, including innovative cancer treatments, biological drugs, and immunotherapies. This move comes in response to public requests for an increase in the quantity of medications provided under health insurance at local healthcare facilities.

Currently, patients often receive insufficient quantities of medications after diagnosis, which has led to calls for an increase in the number of drugs covered by health insurance. The Ministry has acknowledged these concerns and is working to enhance the list of medications, particularly focusing on those that demonstrate high treatment efficacy.

According to the Ministry, a new circular has been issued that outlines the principles and criteria for updating the list of medications eligible for health insurance reimbursement. This includes a shift from hospital classification-based reimbursement to a system based on technical specialties, which is expected to facilitate better access to medications for patients at primary healthcare facilities.

Among the proposed additions are several new generation cancer drugs and biological therapies that have shown significant effectiveness. The Ministry aims to ensure that the expanded list not only meets treatment needs but also aligns with the financial capabilities of patients and the health insurance fund.

Furthermore, the Ministry is exploring the possibility of implementing a phased approach to eliminate hospital fees for vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals and those in need of special assistance. This initiative is part of a broader policy aimed at enhancing public health care services and ensuring equitable access to necessary treatments.

The proposed changes are expected to be presented to the Prime Minister by 2028, with ongoing research and consultations to refine health insurance policies in line with public health objectives.