Training Conference on New Bidding Regulations: Updating the Legal Framework, Sharing Practical Experience
On September 11, 2025, at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City (BV ĐHYD), the Ministry of Health (Planning and Finance Department) in coordination with the Procurement Management Department - Ministry of Finance organized a training conference on the new procurement regulations for 2025. The event gathered more than 300 delegates, including leaders and specialists from the Departments and Bureaus of the Ministry of Health, leaders and staff involved in procurement and purchasing of units and projects under the Ministry of Health, Provincial Health Departments, hospitals at the provincial and regional levels nationwide. In addition to delegates attending in person in the hall, thousands of people connected online via the Zoom platform from nearly 400 locations across the country.
In the opening speech, Dr. Nguyễn Tường Sơn – Director of the Planning and Finance Department, Ministry of Health, emphasized that procurement and purchasing are key tasks that directly affect the efficient use of the budget and the quality of medical care. “In the context of limited resources, conducting transparent, competitive, and efficient procurement not only saves the budget but also contributes to improving the quality of health services and strengthening public trust.”
According to the Director, the major amendments to the Procurement Law and related documents in 2024 - 2025 create an urgent need for units to update, internalize and implement them in a synchronized, unified manner across the sector. This conference not only disseminates the new regulations but also serves as a forum for units to share experiences, resolve difficulties, thereby enhancing capacity and consistency in implementation.
In the training program, the reporters from the Procurement Management Agency – Ministry of Finance presented the important amendment and supplement points in the amended and supplemented Law No. 90/2025/QH15, which takes effect from 1/7/2025. The focus of the amendment is to simplify procedures, streamline processes, and strengthen decentralization and delegation of authority to improve the efficiency of contractor selection. Decree No. 214/2025/ND-CP was also presented, emphasizing adjustments on procurement assignment, the minimum savings rate requirement, a streamlined process in urgent cases, and a more transparent grievance resolution mechanism. Circulars No. 79/2025/TT-BTC and No. 80/2025/TT-BTC of the Ministry of Finance continue to improve the legal framework, reduce paperwork and submission requirements, making the procurement process smoother and time‑saving for the units.
Additionally, Associate Professor Trần Thị Trà Giang – Head of the Tender Management Unit at DHYD Hospital shared experience in implementing the procurement tender system at the hospital, emphasizing the principle “competition - fairness - transparency - efficiency - accountability”. The hospital has established a rigorous process for statistics, reporting, and reviewing tender documents, ensuring a balance between legal requirements and medical expertise. “Not setting excessively high requirements that increase bid prices, and not restricting contractors” was identified as a foundational principle to ensure fairness while meeting patients' treatment needs.
The conference also focused on discussing and addressing practical difficulties and obstacles. Many units raised issues related to legal procedures, procurement documents, as well as coordination mechanisms in implementation. Mr. Hoàng Cương – Deputy Head of the Planning and Finance Department, Ministry of Health, together with the specialized bureaus, departments and representatives of the Ministry of Finance, directly exchanged views and resolved issues, thereby helping the units fully understand how to implement the new regulations.
In concluding the conference, Dr. Nguyễn Tường Sơn emphasized: The conference is not only an occasion to disseminate new legal documents but also an opportunity to listen to and resolve practical difficulties. The Ministry will continue to accompany the units, promptly improve policies to enhance the effectiveness of tendering, ensure timely, transparent, and quality supply of medicines and medical equipment, serving the health care and protection of the people in the best possible way.
With extensive participation from direct and online bridge points nationwide, the conference played a bridging role, creating a forum for sharing experience and strengthening unity in the management and implementation of procurement in the health sector. This is an important preparatory step, helping the entire industry be ready to effectively implement the new legal system, aiming for a fair, transparent, and sustainable healthcare system.
