HCMC – The prime minister has asked the relevant ministries and agencies to quickly deal with a shortage of medical supplies plaguing many cities and provinces so health examinations and treatment can continue without hindrance.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on September 5 issued a telegram ordering the Ministry of Health and other competent agencies to urgently cope with problems with procurement tenders and payments to ease the shortage of drugs and medical equipment.
The ministry was told to simplify complicated procedures to facilitate the bidding and procurement of medicine and medical equipment, and speed up the issuance of certificates for the circulation of medical supplies.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment was tasked with collaborating with the Ministry of Health to amend and supplement regulations on drug and medical equipment bidding prior to September 15.
The prime minister also assigned the Ministry of Finance to work with the Ministry of Health to amend regulations or issue new ones on the management and use of public assets and capital to procure pharmaceutical products and equipment by the end of September.
Many localities nationwide have faced a dearth of drugs and medical equipment, affecting the treatment and care of patients. One of the reasons for the shortage is delays in the bidding.
The Covid pandemic also hampered the extension of the circulation registration for medicines, the local media reported.
