Director of the Ministry of Health’s Planning and Finance Department Nguyen Hoang Long said on June 29 that the agency has the latest count on the drug and medical equipment shortage of 34 out of 63 provincial healthcare departments, 21 out of 39 central hospitals and two hospitals run by medical universities.

Twenty-eight healthcare departments and 12 out of 21 central hospitals have reported they lack drugs.

The drugs are mostly antibiotics used to treat critically ill patients, psychotropic drugs, some kinds of cardiovascular drugs, ophthalmology drugs and drugs to treat hypertension, dengue fever and other diseases.

At least 26 out of 34 healthcare department and 15 out of 21 central hospitals have reported a lack of materials and chemicals, especially ones used for testing.

Fourteen out of 34 healthcare departments and 8 out of 21 central hospitals have reported a shortage of specialized medical equipment such as equipment for operating rooms, equipment used in neurology, cardiology, otolaryngoscopy, eye, respiratory, active resuscitation; and equipment for diagnostic imaging and specialized testing.

The information was publicized at the Ministry of Health’s online meeting with hospitals under its management and local healthcare departments on the lack of drugs and medical equipment on June 29.

According to Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, there are many reasons behind the shortage, including the disruption of the supply chain in the world and input material price increases. 

Meanwhile, some countries are applying measures to curb inflation, which also affects drug supply and prices. 

Huong pointed out other reasons: the organization of concentrated bidding has gone slowly, and hospitals are not being active in negotiating drug prices and are slow in extending drug registration. 

The inspection and promotion of procurement of drugs, equipment and medical supplies have not been active. This is also attributed to a lack of harmonious cooperation among ministries, branches and localities.

Some agencies and hospitals dare not implement procurement packages because they are afraid they may violate the law. This has occurred because of a series of scandals related to leaders of the healthcare sector and local CDCs.

On June 23, a meeting between the Government and relevant units was organized to discuss solutions to the supply of drugs and supplies and ensure the workforce for the healthcare sector. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said the government has many times instructed the Health Ministry to solve the problems.

The Ministries of Health, Justice, Planning and Investment, and Finance have been asked to check regulations related to the procurement of drugs, medical equipment and materials, and "point out where the problems are and who will solve the problems". They will issue more documents guiding the bidding of drug and medical equipment, if necessary.

Thanh Hien