New Price Declaration Process
On March 29, 2022, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health (MOH) hosted a virtual conference to clarify the new Price Declaration Process and announced the launch of a new online portal for license holders to declare prices.
Key Contents of Decree No. 9/2021-CP
The management of medical equipment prices includes the following main points:
- Declared Contents of the Price: This includes the costs of imports or production, management costs, training and maintenance costs, warranty costs, expected profits, and final selling prices.
- Authorized Declaration: Only the license holder or authorized distributor may declare and publicize the price, while other distributors cannot sell the product above the publicized price. Additionally, each distributor must publicly post their selling prices.
- Request for Clarification: Competent state management agencies, beyond the Ministry of Health, are permitted to request explanations of price components from enterprises as needed.
- Transparency on Prices: There will be a transparent disclosure of selling prices and winning bids for medical equipment on the Ministry of Health's website.
The Deputy Minister emphasized the responsibilities of the Department of Medical Equipment and Construction, the Department of Information Technology, and relevant entities to provide specific guidance and answers concerning the implementation process. They are encouraged to ensure unity and effectiveness as well as to remain receptive to feedback for system improvement while ensuring safety and transparency.
Emphasized Items by the Deputy Minister
- Declaring prices before circulating in Vietnam and updating them immediately upon changes.
- Wholesale and retail prices must be clearly listed.
- Publicize winning bid prices from public medical facilities.
- Buying or selling without a price declaration is prohibited.
- It is forbidden to buy or sell above the declared price at the time of purchase and sale.