Electronic Prescription Deadline Set for Hospitals by Oct 1

Picture courtesy of Vietnam News

The Ministry of Health has set a final deadline for hospitals across the country to implement electronic prescriptions (e-prescriptions) by 1st October. This marks the third extension of this initiative aimed at modernising prescription management.

Effective from 1st July, the new regulation requires hospitals to fully adopt e-prescribing systems, while other healthcare facilities have until 1st January 2026. This change is part of a broader strategy to regulate chemical and biological drug prescriptions in outpatient treatment.

Increased Efficiency and Control

The national e-prescription management platform has already been launched by the Ministry, featuring an integrated database to streamline the process. The system can handle up to 600 million prescriptions annually. Dr Nguyễn Hữu Trọng of the Vietnam Health Informatics Association highlighted the platform's goal to connect all prescriptions, allowing pharmacies to verify medications securely.

“The aim is to eliminate outdated or unauthorised prescriptions, reduce errors, and replace unverifiable handwritten scripts,” Trọng explained.

Current Challenges in Adoption

Despite its potential, the system's rollout has been sluggish. Only about 12,000 of over 60,000 facilities are connected. Major hospitals often limit e-prescriptions to insured patients, while private clinics are even further behind. Pharmacies are also struggling, with just 3.6 million out of 218 million prescriptions confirmed as dispensed.

Technical issues are minimal, according to Trọng, as most healthcare software is compatible with the new system. However, inadequate training and lack of enforcement have hindered progress. “No healthcare provider has faced penalties, despite clear regulations,” he said.

Resistance and Fear of Oversight

A lack of transparency and fear of increased oversight have created obstacles, particularly in the private sector. Many providers worry about being monitored for over-prescribing or unauthorised sales.

Trọng urged the government to boost enforcement, educate the public on the necessity of prescription-based drug purchases, and enforce stricter penalties. "Addressing these issues is essential for comprehensive compliance," he added.

The transition to e-prescriptions is seen as vital to improving prescription monitoring and ensuring proper drug dispensing across the healthcare system. As the deadline approaches, the focus is on overcoming these challenges to achieve a nationwide standard.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Vietnam News 2025-07-07