The Health Insurance Department under the Ministry of Health is developing a proposal to add 84 new chemical and biological medicines to the national insurance coverage list. This major update aims to integrate modern medical advancements and address the increasing healthcare demands of the population.
Cancer treatments dominate the proposed list, accounting for 35.7% (30 drugs), including innovative targeted therapies, monoclonal antibodies, and immunotherapies. Despite their high costs, the inclusion of these medicines is deemed essential to provide patients with access to advanced treatment protocols, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses and the long-term financial burden on cancer patients.
The draft also includes 24 new medications for chronic conditions—such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses—and 18 drugs for rare diseases. Additionally, the proposal suggests modifying the payment conditions and increasing reimbursement rates for 52 existing drugs, thereby expanding treatment accessibility.
To balance clinical needs with the sustainability of the Health Insurance Fund, which saw expenditures reach over 50.7 trillion VND in 2024, authorities are conducting rigorous budget impact analyses to determine appropriate reimbursement ratios. The updated list is expected to be finalized by the end of Q1 2026, with the official circular to be issued later within the year.