Pharmacy counter at Hanoi Medical University Hospital.
Having suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure for over 10 years, Mrs. Hoa (76 years old, living in Hanoi) has to go to the Hanoi Traditional Medicine General Hospital every month for check-ups and to get medication for these chronic diseases. Each time she goes for a check-up, her children have to accompany her.
Two years of "one prescription" for chronic diseases.
"My condition has stabilized, so each time I go for a check-up, the doctor asks if I have any new symptoms and will order additional tests. Otherwise, they'll ask about my symptoms and prescribe medication. Each visit takes half a day, and on busy days, I have to wait until the afternoon to get my medicine," Mrs. Hoa recounted.
Ms. Hoa also shared that most of her prescriptions haven't changed; for about two years now, her prescriptions haven't changed in terms of medication or dosage. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Hoa received a prescription for two months' worth of medication, which she said was more convenient for patients whose condition had stabilized.
An endocrinologist in Hanoi suggested that for patients whose condition has stabilized after treatment, flexibility could be implemented to facilitate access for the general public.
"In reality, many patients don't need to have follow-up appointments or get medication once a month. Depending on the patient's condition, the doctor can prescribe medication for one or two months. The goal should be to provide effective and convenient treatment for the patient," this doctor stated.
The recommendation is to prescribe medication every two months.
Mr. Nguyen Duc Hoa, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Social Insurance (BHXH), said that he has twice signed documents proposing to the Minister of Health to recommend a time limit for prescribing outpatient medication for chronic patients.
The Vietnam Social Security (BHXH Vietnam) has proposed that the Ministry of Health issue regulations on prescribing medication for patients with stable chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, etc.) who have been on antiretroviral therapy (ARV) for 12 months or more. The proposed regulation states that the prescribed quantity should be sufficient for a minimum of 60 days of use and a maximum of 90 days. Currently, the regulations only allow prescriptions sufficient for a maximum of 30 days.
For patients receiving chronic treatment at primary healthcare facilities (health centers, clinics), Vietnam Social Security proposes that the Ministry of Health allow the dispensing of medication for a maximum of 30 days.
Mr. Hoa shared that this proposal is based on professional opinion, and for patients with chronic diseases that are usually stable, changing medication every month is not necessary. He also cited examples from many countries that have adopted 60-day prescriptions. In Thailand, since 2010, medication has been prescribed every two months for patients with stable chronic diseases.
Furthermore, during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health implemented a three-month medication program for patients with chronic diseases who did not develop complications. The Vietnam Social Security assessed that this change in medication duration would allow patients to extend their follow-up visits, saving them travel time and costs, and reducing the burden on hospitals.
Mr. Hoa also stated his hope that the Ministry of Health would study the proposal and implement it as soon as possible.
A representative from the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management (Ministry of Health) stated that this proposal would have a positive impact, such as reducing the burden on the healthcare system and benefiting the public.
However, patients with chronic diseases need to be monitored regularly to identify any changes in their condition. If the disease progresses, appropriate treatment methods are necessary. "We are considering the research and will provide a specific response to this proposal," he said.
Source
Comment (0)