Vietnam boosts public-private partnerships to transform healthcare services
VOV.VN - The Vietnamese Government is stepping up efforts as it seeks to strengthen public-private partnerships (PPP) in the healthcare sector as a way of improving the country's healthcare system.
A consultation workshop held on August 21 by the Ministry of Health in Hanoi discussed a draft circular guiding the implementation of PPP investment projects in healthcare. The circular is designed to deal with 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 relating to certain aspects of PPP investment activities in the healthcare sector as stipulated in Clause 3 of Article 93 of Government Decree No. 35 which details the enforcement of the law on PPP.
Effective from January 1, 2021, the law aims to attract private capital for infrastructure projects whilst easing the strain placed on the state budget.
However, very few PPP healthcare projects have been adopted for investment so far, with only two 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 VND100 billion, equal to US$4.16 million, the new threshold is expected to be lowered to below VND50 billion, thereby making it easier for smaller projects to qualify for PPP financing.
Doan Tien Giang, an international expert on PPP, 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 incentivize private sector contributions towards building a comprehensive, advanced, and sustainable healthcare system.
