Experts discuss modern medical payments in Vietnam

10/10/2018 - 3:42:46 PM

Domestic and international experts gathered at a workshop held by the Ministry of Health and the World Bank in Hanoi on October 9, to discuss measures to boost diagnosis-related group (DRG) payments in Vietnam.

Vietnam is facilitating the transformation of medical payments towards a modern method under DRG model.

Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Le Tuan, Deputy Minister of Health, said that domestic health financing is reforming in the direction of improving equity and efficiency, therefore, the gradual transformation towards advanced medical payments, under the DRG model, is Vietnam’s priority policy.

The deputy minister revealed that his ministry is implementing the method at Hanoi’s Ba Vi District Hospital, while proceeding to build a DRG-based payment system for provincial medical services, gradually replacing the fee-for-service payment model, with the support of Thai experts. Comments at the workshop were an important basis for the Ministry of Health to expand the new payment method, he added.

Keiko Inoue, from the World Bank, suggested that Vietnam should make an appropriate transition in medical billing in order to maximise success and minimise risks. Through referencing the experiences of foreign countries, including Thailand, Vietnam could change the payment method towards a DRG model without affecting the financial situation of the medical facilities or the medical care plans, she proposed.

Keiko Inoue stressed that Vietnam has made important, solid foundations for the transition to the DRG payment method, as the combination of the e-health insurance payment database and the information standardisation policy at health facilities shows that Vietnam has the necessary IT and data infrastructure to vigorously carry out the transfer.

At a recent meeting on the development of DRG payment methods in Southeast Asia, hosted by Vietnam, a proposal was adopted to establish a regional network on cooperation in the development of DRG payment methods. The World Bank has committed to support this regional network and will support Vietnam to continue implementing reforms towards the payment, in which the international financial institution supports the Ministry of Health and the Vietnam Social Security to simulate the impact of the new payment mechanism.

At the workshop, participants shared information about the importance, the necessary steps, and international experience related to the methods and conditions for developing systematic DRG payment systems.

Source: NDO

Hoa Binh promotes family values, human standards in new era

The people in Hoa Binh province are aware of the need to build and preserve the cultural traditions and unique customs of their communities, especially those related to ethnic identities and family values which serve as foundation for a vibrant, tradition-rich Hoa Binh, enriching community life. In recent years, the province’s Party Committee, authorities, and residents have paid heed to building and developing family values and fostering human standards in the new era.

Festival of great national solidarity, culture held in Da Bac district

The festival of great national solidarity and culture in 2024 was held at the communal house of Da Bac district on November 5. Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Van Toan and leaders of departments and sectors attended the event.

Da Bac district actively responds to patriotic emulation movements

The Labor Federation of Da Bac district has focused on protecting workers' rights while actively participating in patriotic emulation movements to enhance the creativity and productivity of the local workforces across agencies, organisations and enterprises.

Yen Thuy women have joined hands to protect the environment

In recent years, the Women's Union of Yen Thuy district has actively contributed to the implementation of the National Target Program on building new the rural areas. The Union's activities not only help raise awareness of environmental protection for the members, the women, and the people but they also contribute to improving the appearance of rural areas and improving the quality of life.

Mai Chau district replicates model of intergenerational self-help club

The model of intergenerational self-help club (ISC) has been expanded in Mai Chau district over recent times, contributing to sharing and motivating the disadvantaged people, especially the elderly, to improve their lives.

Hoa Binh workers, officials show active engagement in working movement

Following President Ho Chi Minh’s teachings that emulation is patriotism, patriotism requires emulation, the trade union at all levels in Hoa Binh has effectively implemented patriotism emulation movements, especially the "effective, creative working” movement. Responding to the movement, local workers, public servants, and officials have proposed many creative and applicable ideas, helping spread the movement to all agencies, units, and businesses.