Public procurement regulations in the healthcare sector: Implementation challenges and solutions

This study analyzes the current legal framework governing procurement in Vietnam’s healthcare sector, with particular emphasis on recent regulatory developments, including the 2023 Procurement Law, Law No. 90/2025/QH15, Decree No. 214/2025/ND-CP, and Circular No. 40/2025/TT-BYT. The findings indicate that the framework has been substantially strengthened, addressing longstanding bottlenecks in the procurement of medicines, medical supplies, and equipment across public healthcare facilities. Nevertheless, challenges persist in implementation, particularly with regard to procedural consistency, institutional capacity, and coordination among stakeholders. Overall, the study highlights the ongoing evolution of the legal regime and underscores the importance of effective enforcement and governance mechanisms in ensuring efficiency, transparency, and accountability in healthcare procurement.