Background and Objectives of the July 2024 Vietnam Healthcare Cost Revision
The Vietnamese government has revised the list of medical examination and treatment costs, effective July 1, 2024, with the goal of promoting public health. This revision reflects efforts to adapt to the rapidly changing healthcare environment and the diverse needs of the people. The focus is on improving the quality of healthcare services and increasing public access to healthcare. This revision aims to enhance the efficiency and equity of the entire Vietnamese healthcare system, not just adjust costs.
The main reasons for the revision include the following factors:
- Introduction and advancement of the latest medical technologies
- Increase in chronic diseases and entry into an aging society
- Increased demand for and diversification of healthcare services
- Discrepancy between the existing list of medical expenses and reality
Based on these factors, the Vietnamese government has adjusted the list of medical expenses to reflect reality and improved access to necessary healthcare services at reasonable costs for its citizens.
Key Revisions: What are the Changes?
This healthcare cost revision covers various items, with the following changes being particularly noticeable:
- Expansion of Essential Screening Items: Screening items for the prevention of major diseases, such as cancer screening and cardiovascular disease screening, have been expanded.
- Strengthening Chronic Disease Management: Increased healthcare cost support for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
- Addition of New Items Based on Medical Technology Advancements: New treatment and examination items utilizing advanced medical technologies have been added.
- Adjustment of Non-Covered Items: Unnecessary or ineffective non-covered items have been adjusted.
These changes are expected to contribute to providing citizens with broader and higher quality healthcare services. In addition, medical institutions can actively introduce new medical technologies and lay the foundation for providing patient-centered healthcare services.
This healthcare cost revision is an important step towards promoting public health. We will continue to strive to ensure that citizens can access high-quality healthcare services at reasonable costs through continuous improvements.
Impact of Revised Healthcare Costs on Public Life
This healthcare cost revision is expected to have a positive impact on reducing the healthcare cost burden and increasing access to healthcare services for Vietnamese citizens. In particular, low-income individuals and patients with chronic diseases can reduce their financial burden through expanded healthcare cost support. For example, expanding cancer screening items can enable early diagnosis, increase treatment success rates, and reduce healthcare expenditures in the long term.
However, some concerns have been raised about the possibility of rising healthcare costs due to the introduction of new medical technologies. In response, the Vietnamese government plans to continuously manage healthcare cost increases and ensure that citizens can access healthcare services at reasonable costs. In addition, efforts will be made to strengthen the transparency of medical institutions and reduce unnecessary healthcare expenditures.
Future Prospects and Precautions
Starting with this healthcare cost revision, the Vietnamese government plans to continuously promote efforts to improve the overall healthcare system. Various policies will be developed and implemented to promote public health and improve the quality of healthcare services. In 2025, the efficiency of healthcare services will be further enhanced through the introduction of a digital healthcare system, and the goal is to extend the healthy life expectancy of citizens by 5 years by 2030.
Regarding this healthcare cost revision, citizens should be aware of the following:
- Carefully check the revised list of medical expenses and accurately identify the benefits you can receive.
- Check the medical fee information in advance before visiting a medical institution and prepare the necessary documents.
- For inquiries regarding medical expenses, contact the National Health Insurance Service or related organizations to obtain accurate information.
We hope that this healthcare cost revision will contribute to the healthy lives of Vietnamese citizens, and we ask for your continued interest and participation.
