Vietnam Expands Health Insurance Coverage to Include More Cancer Treatments

The Vietnamese Ministry of Health is updating its health insurance coverage to include a wider range of medications, with a significant focus on expanding treatment options for cancer patients. This update, an amendment to Circular 20/2022/TT-BYT, proposes adding 84 chemical and biological drugs to the existing list, with 30 of those specifically targeting various cancers.

Expanding Access to Advanced Cancer Therapies

The proposed changes aim to improve access to cutting-edge cancer treatments, including targeted therapies, monoclonal antibodies, and immunotherapies. Currently, 81 anticancer and immunomodulatory drugs are already covered by health insurance in Vietnam. The addition of these 30 novel drugs will significantly broaden the range of available treatment regimens for patients battling cancer.

Pharmaceutical Expenditure Trends in Vietnam

While pharmaceutical costs remain the largest component of total health insurance expenditures in Vietnam, the proportion has been gradually decreasing in recent years. In 2022, drug expenditure reached VND 40.01 trillion, representing 33.41% of total expenditure. This figure rose to VND 45.841 trillion (32.82%) in 2023 and is projected to reach VND 50.784 trillion (31.22%) in 2024.

This trend underscores the importance of rational drug use and expenditure management to ensure the financial sustainability of the health insurance fund while simultaneously reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients.

Circular 20/2022/TT-BYT: A Framework for Coverage

Circular 20/2022/TT-BYT, issued by the Ministry of Health on December 31, 2022, provides the regulatory framework for determining nomenclatures and payment rates for chemical medications, biologicals, radiopharmaceuticals, and tracers covered under Vietnam’s health insurance policy. Learn more about Circular 20/2022/TT-BYT.

Looking Ahead

The Ministry of Health’s ongoing efforts to revise and update the list of drugs covered by health insurance demonstrate a commitment to improving healthcare access and affordability for Vietnamese citizens. The finalized amendment to Circular 20/2022/TT-BYT is expected to have a positive impact on cancer care and overall public health in Vietnam.