Health Care Law at Vietnam
Healthcare law in Vietnam is designed to provide access to health services for all residents, with a focus on improving public health, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and ensuring that medical care is accessible and affordable. The Vietnamese healthcare system is a mix of public and private healthcare providers, and it has undergone significant reforms in recent decades to improve service delivery, equity, and quality. Here are key aspects of healthcare law and the healthcare system in Vietnam:
1. Health System Overview:
Vietnam's healthcare system is primarily publicly funded and operates under a social health insurance scheme, but private healthcare also plays a growing role, especially in urban areas. The system includes both the Ministry of Health (MOH) at the national level and provincial and local health authorities that manage healthcare delivery.
2. Key Laws and Regulations:
The legal framework governing healthcare in Vietnam is based on several key laws, regulations, and guidelines:
The Health Insurance Law (2014): This law aims to provide universal health coverage to all Vietnamese citizens and gradually include all segments of the population. The law has been central to the government’s efforts to expand health insurance coverage and ensure that individuals can access necessary health services.
The Law on Health Care (2009): This law serves as the foundation for Vietnam's healthcare policy, focusing on health service provision, medical ethics, the licensing of medical practitioners, and the management of health facilities.
The Law on Medical Examination and Treatment (2009): This law regulates the provision of medical services in Vietnam, including standards for medical practitioners, patient rights, and the functioning of medical facilities.
The Law on Food Safety (2010): This law addresses food hygiene and safety to protect public health, as it plays a significant role in preventing foodborne diseases.
The Law on Pharmaceuticals (2016): This law governs the production, import, distribution, and use of pharmaceutical products in Vietnam. It focuses on ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of medications.
3. Health Insurance in Vietnam:
Vietnam has a universal health insurance system, aiming to cover the entire population. The major component of the system is the Social Health Insurance (SHI), which is managed by the Vietnam Social Security (VSS).
Mandatory Health Insurance: Since 2015, health insurance coverage has been mandatory for all Vietnamese citizens, with specific provisions for different groups. It includes:
Employees in the formal sector: Workers employed by businesses and government agencies must be enrolled in social health insurance, with premiums paid by both employees and employers.
Self-employed individuals and those in the informal sector: These groups are also required to have health insurance, and the government has developed policies to encourage informal sector workers to join the system.
Vulnerable groups: The government provides subsidized health insurance for low-income individuals, the elderly, children, and other disadvantaged groups.
Private Health Insurance: In addition to the mandatory public health insurance, there are also private health insurance providers. These are mainly purchased by individuals who wish to access more private healthcare services or avoid long waiting times in public facilities.
4. Healthcare Providers:
Public Healthcare: The public healthcare system in Vietnam consists of hospitals, district and provincial health centers, and specialized medical facilities. The government provides health services through various tiers of care:
Primary Care: Local health centers and district hospitals provide general health services, preventive care, and basic treatment.
Secondary and Tertiary Care: Provincial and national hospitals offer specialized care and advanced medical treatment.
Specialized Hospitals: There are national and regional hospitals specializing in particular medical fields (e.g., cardiology, oncology).
Private Healthcare: Private hospitals and clinics are growing rapidly in urban areas, providing specialized medical services, elective procedures, and higher-quality facilities. These are typically used by individuals who can afford to pay out-of-pocket or who want faster access to care.
5. Healthcare Financing:
Vietnam's health system is largely financed through the National Health Insurance Fund, which is managed by the Vietnam Social Security (VSS). In addition to public health financing, out-of-pocket spending is common in the private sector.
Health Insurance Contributions: Health insurance contributions are made by employers and employees for formal-sector workers, while the government provides subsidies for vulnerable groups such as the poor, elderly, and children. Self-employed individuals also make contributions to the health insurance system.
Cost Sharing: While the Vietnamese health insurance system covers a significant portion of medical costs, patients still need to pay a portion of their healthcare expenses, such as co-payments for hospital services or prescriptions.
6. Medical Licensing and Professional Regulation:
The Ministry of Health (MOH) is the regulatory body for the healthcare sector in Vietnam. It oversees medical education, licensing, and the regulation of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.
Healthcare professionals must meet specific qualifications and pass exams to be licensed to practice in Vietnam.
The Vietnam Medical Association plays a role in ensuring ethical medical practices and advocating for healthcare improvements.
7. Patient Rights and Access to Care:
Patient Rights: Patients in Vietnam have the right to choose healthcare providers, receive informed consent before treatment, and access medical records, although there are challenges in ensuring full patient rights, particularly in rural areas.
Access to Care: While the Vietnamese healthcare system aims to provide universal access, there can be disparities in healthcare access between urban and rural areas, particularly in terms of specialized care and the availability of medical professionals.
Emergency Care: Emergency medical services are provided by hospitals and emergency medical teams. The government is also working to improve emergency medical response, especially in rural regions.
8. Health Care for Vulnerable Populations:
Government Support for Vulnerable Groups: The Vietnamese government provides targeted health services for vulnerable populations, including low-income people, the elderly, children, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. These groups receive health insurance subsidies or free healthcare services.
Maternal and Child Health: Vietnam has invested in maternal and child health programs, focusing on reducing infant and maternal mortality rates, and ensuring access to antenatal care and vaccinations.
9. Regulation of Pharmaceuticals:
The Law on Pharmaceuticals (2016) regulates the production, distribution, and sale of pharmaceutical products in Vietnam. It aims to ensure that medications are safe, effective, and of high quality. The Vietnam Drug Administration (VDA), under the Ministry of Health, oversees the regulation of drugs and medical devices.
Drug Importation and Sales: Pharmaceuticals sold in Vietnam must meet national standards, and foreign pharmaceutical companies must register their products with the government before selling them in the country.
10. Public Health Laws:
Vietnam has laws in place to address public health issues such as sanitation, food safety, and the control of infectious diseases.
The Vietnam National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) monitors and controls outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, malaria, and the more recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Food Safety and Disease Control: The government has laws in place to regulate food safety and prevent foodborne diseases, which are critical to the overall health of the population.
11. Recent Healthcare Reforms:
Vietnam has undertaken several healthcare reforms in recent years, focusing on:
Expanding health insurance coverage to all citizens, including the informal sector.
Improving the quality of care in public health facilities.
Health infrastructure development, especially in underserved rural areas.
Promoting health equity and reducing disparities in healthcare access between urban and rural areas.
Conclusion:
Vietnam’s healthcare system is undergoing significant reforms aimed at expanding access, improving quality, and ensuring that healthcare services are available to all segments of the population. The legal framework supporting the system focuses on health insurance, patient rights, medical practice, and public health, with ongoing efforts to improve the infrastructure and services available to citizens.
RELATED Blog
0 comments