Illustrative image

According to Circular No. 16/2026/TT-BYT recently issued by the Ministry of Health , the free medicine support program is implemented on the basis of a written agreement between the pharmaceutical business establishment and the medical examination and treatment facility.

The provision of medication support is carried out according to the capacity of the pharmaceutical business; at the same time, it must ensure that no fees are charged, no commercial conditions are attached to patients, and it does not affect the choice of treatment methods or the rational, safe, and effective prescription of medication.

The circular clearly stipulates that drugs included in the free support program must be legally available in Vietnam; prescriptions must comply with the drug's approved usage guidelines, diagnostic and treatment guidelines, or other relevant professional documents. Healthcare facilities may only implement the program if their scope of professional activities is consistent with the drug's intended use.

One of the key points of the Circular is the regulation that the Health Insurance Fund (HIF) will not reimburse the amount of free supportive medications used for patients with health insurance cards. This regulation aims to ensure proper management of the nature of free supportive medications, avoid double payments, ensure transparency in medication use, and manage the health insurance fund.

The circular also stipulates the responsibilities of medical examination and treatment facilities in publicly disclosing program information; issuing internal procedures; providing patients with comprehensive advice on treatment protocols, effectiveness, risks, and adverse effects of medications, as well as costs beyond the subsidized medication; and organizing the distribution of medications fairly, reasonably, transparently, and efficiently.

Patients participating in the program voluntarily register, sign the Voluntary Registration Form, and comply with the regulations regarding receiving and using supportive medication. If they discontinue medication or no longer participate in the program, the patient or their family member is responsible for notifying the treating physician and returning any unused medication that has been dispensed.

For free medication support programs approved by the Minister of Health before the effective date of this Circular and still within their validity period, the Circular stipulates that they shall continue to be implemented until the end of the approved period; at the same time, new regulations on drug management and use, reporting, record keeping, and implementation responsibilities shall apply, ensuring that patients do not experience interruptions in treatment.

According to the Ministry of Health, this Circular was issued to create a unified legal basis for the receipt, management, and use of medicines provided free of charge by pharmaceutical businesses to medical examination and treatment facilities for the treatment of patients; ensuring transparency, safety, effectiveness, adherence to professional indications, and protection of patients' rights.