At the Covid-19 Resuscitation Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. VNN Photo: Thanh Tung

The department said there is currently a lack of specific guidelines on payments for treatment at private medical facilities.

Under the proposal, the cost of treatment, including medical examination, hospital beds and other technical services, would be paid by the State based on the price of medical examination and treatment services set by the Ministry of Health.

For other expenses such as private or VIP rooms and extra meals, as well as other additional services on demand, payment will be made at the agreed-upon rate between the hospital and the patient.

On August 23, HCM City asked for guidance on COVID-19 treatment costs at private medical facilities. On September 1, the Ministry of Finance asked the Ministry of Health to urgently issue regulations on payments for COVID-19 medical examination and treatment at private medical facilities.

However, the city has yet to hear from the Ministry of Health or other authorities.

According to private medical facilities, there are many COVID-19 patients who are willing to pay for the cost of COVID-19 treatment on demand, and to share part of the treatment costs with the State. 

Previously, city authorities asked the ministries of health and finance to devise a payment scale for COVID patients at private medical facilities, which are much more expensive than public facilities.

COVID patients receive free treatment at public health facilities. 

Due to the rising number of cases, the Ministry of Health has called on all public and private health facilities as well as retired doctors to join the fight.  

HCM City has mobilised doctors and nurses from 52 private hospitals and 200 medical clinics to reduce overloading at public hospitals.

As many as 11 private hospitals have converted part or all of their facilities for COVID treatment.

Private hospitals joining the fight include Hoan My Thu Duc International General Hospital in Thu Duc City, Trieu An Hospital and City International Hospital in Binh Tan District, Xuyen A Hospital in Cu Chi District, and Nam Sai Gon General Hospital in District 7, and others.

HCM City, the country’s pandemic hotspot, has recorded more than 355,000 cases since late April.

Source: Vietnam News

HCM City asks PM to allow private medical facilities to collect fees for Covid-19 treatment

HCM City Chairman Phan Van Mai said the participation of private medical facilities in Covid-19 treatment will reduce pressure on the public healthcare system, but private facilities need funding.

Should private hospitals be allowed to provide treatment to Covid-19 patients?

HCM City authorities have recently asked the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance to consider permitting private healthcare facilities to provide Covid-19 treatment services to patients on demand.