Vietnam embraces PPP to transform healthcare services

The Vietnamese Government is working to promote public-private partnerships (PPP) in the healthcare sector as a means to improve the country's healthcare system.

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A consultation workshop held by the Ministry of Health in Hanoi on August 21 discussed a draft circular guiding the implementation of PPP investment projects in healthcare. The circular aims to address the challenges and shortcomings faced by both regulatory agencies and investors in the sector.

With four chapters and 23 articles, the draft circular provides guidance on certain aspects of PPP investment activities in the healthcare sector as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 93 of Decree No. 35/2021/ND-CP which details the enforcement of the law on PPP.

Effective from January 1, 2021, the law aims to attract private capital for infrastructure projects and ease strain on the state budget.

However, very few PPP healthcare projects have been approved for investment so far, with only two ones underway in Yen Bai and Da Nang.

One of the key changes proposed in the draft circular is a reduction in the minimum investment threshold for PPP projects in healthcare.

Currently set at 100 billion VND (4.16 million USD), the new threshold is expected to be lowered to below 50 billion VND, making it easier for smaller projects to qualify for PPP financing.

International PPP expert Doan Tien Giang underlined the importance of ensuring equal access to public healthcare services for all citizens, regardless of their location or gender, stressing that financial models used in PPP projects must be carefully designed to ensure affordability and fairness.

Several opinions voiced their support, noting that the PPP model in the service sector could further encourage private sector contributions toward building a comprehensive, advanced and sustainable healthcare system./.

VNA