Pharmacy counter at Hanoi Medical University Hospital.
Having suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure for over 10 years, Ms. Hoa (76 years old, living in Hanoi) has to go to the Hanoi Traditional Medicine Hospital every month for check-ups and to get medicine to treat these chronic diseases. Each time she goes for a check-up, her children have to take her there.
2 years of "one prescription" for chronic illness
"My treatment has stabilized, so every time I go for a check-up, the doctor will ask if I have any new symptoms and order more tests. If not, he will ask about my illness and prescribe medicine. Each visit takes half a day. On days when there are many patients, I have to wait until the afternoon to get medicine," Ms. Hoa said.
Ms. Hoa also shared that most of her prescriptions have not changed, and that her prescriptions have not changed in terms of medication or dosage for about 2 years. During COVID-19, Ms. Hoa received a 2-month prescription, which she said would be more convenient for patients whose condition has stabilized.
An endocrinologist in Hanoi said that for patients who have been treated stably, they can be flexible to create favorable conditions for the people.
"In reality, many patients do not need to return for a check-up or get medication once a month. Depending on each patient's condition, the doctor may give specific instructions for 1 month or 2 months. What needs to be aimed at is effective and convenient treatment for the patient," this doctor expressed.
Recommended prescription every 2 months
Mr. Nguyen Duc Hoa, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Social Security (VSS), said that he has twice signed documents proposing to the Minister of Health, recommending the time to prescribe outpatient treatment for chronic patients.
Vietnam Social Security proposed that the Ministry of Health issue regulations on prescriptions for patients with stable chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, etc.), patients who have been treated with antiretroviral drugs for 12 months or more, the prescribed quantity must be enough for a minimum of 60 days, and a maximum of 90 days. According to current regulations, only enough prescriptions can be prescribed for a maximum of 30 days.
In the case of chronic patients treated at the primary level (medical centers, clinics), Vietnam Social Security requests the Ministry of Health to allow the provision of treatment drugs for no more than 30 days.
Mr. Hoa shared that this proposal is based on expert opinion, for patients with chronic diseases that are usually stable, changing medication is not necessary every month. He also cited that many countries have applied 60-day prescriptions. In Thailand, since 2010, medication has been provided every 2 months for patients with chronic diseases that are stable.
In addition, during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health has implemented a 3-month supply of medication for patients with chronic diseases and no complications. The change in medication supply time is assessed by Vietnam Social Security to help patients extend the time for re-examination, patients do not have to spend time traveling, time, costs... Besides, it reduces the burden on hospitals.
Mr. Hoa also said he hopes the Ministry of Health will study the proposal and apply it as soon as possible.
A representative of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management (Ministry of Health) said that this proposal will have positive impacts such as reducing the burden on the health system and making it more convenient for people.
However, chronic patients need to be monitored regularly to detect disease progression. If the disease progresses, appropriate treatment is needed. "We are considering research and will have specific feedback on this proposal," he said.
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