At the 2026 Health Technology Assessment (HTA) conference held from May 6-8, healthcare experts discussed the application of HTA as a vital solution to balance therapeutic innovation with the financial sustainability of the Health Insurance Fund.
A paradigm shift in procurement and bidding A central theme of the conference was the evolving criteria for selecting pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
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From lowest price to proportional value: Instead of focusing solely on the lowest bid as in the past, the current procurement process is moving toward “efficient consumption.” This implies that costs must be commensurate with the actual clinical value provided by the product.
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Scientific evidence as a foundation: HTA tools provide multi-dimensional comparative data on clinical, economic, and social impacts. This assists regulators in making informed decisions when a new drug, despite higher costs, offers significantly superior treatment success rates compared to older methods.
Ensuring the sustainability of the insurance fund Permanent Deputy Minister of Health Vu Manh Ha noted that while health insurance coverage in Vietnam has exceeded 95%, the pressure from rising costs of new medications and technologies is intensifying.
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Objectives of HTA: To provide a scientific basis for developing reimbursement lists, determining payment methods, and optimizing resource allocation.
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Benefits for citizens: The systematic application of HTA not only manages the Health Insurance Fund effectively but also directly contributes to reducing out-of-pocket expenses for patients, ensuring equitable access to advanced medical care.
Future directions for standardization and institutionalization In the coming period, the healthcare sector will focus on several key strategies:
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Refining methodology: Developing standardized assessment toolsets that are practical and relevant to Vietnam’s context and resources.
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Establishing a national appraisal body: Creating an organizational model to manage the quality of HTA research, ensuring objectivity and transparency.
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Human resource development: Training a team of highly skilled experts to maintain independence in the appraisal and policy-making processes.
Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/gia-thuoc-khong-con-la-yeu-to-duy-nhat-khi-dau-thau-102260506173947341.htm