Changes in the health care system of Vietnam in response to the emerging market economy

This paper discusses the impact on the Vietnamese health care system of the change from a centralized socialist system to a market economy. It discuss es recent policies based on expectations in relation to actual outcomes, an d the impacts these changes have had on health care delivery and health inf rastructure in Vietnam. It has become clear that the private medical sector is draining resources from the State rather than complementing the weakene d national health system. Impacts on health education, pharmaceuticals, inf rastructure support, geographic distribution of physicians, and equity are all discussed in terms of recent economic changes. It is suggested that adj ustments must be made to ensure adequate health care for all Vietnamese inc luding those in rural areas and the urban poor. The State must develop mech anisms to support the national health service before further deterioration occurs.