Vietnam Proposes More Flexible Medical Device Procurement and Direct Price Negotiation

Vietnam is considering reforms that could create a more flexible and transparent framework for the procurement and distribution of medical devices, potentially opening new opportunities for international manufacturers and healthcare businesses entering the Vietnamese market.

According to a proposal from the Ministry of Health, healthcare facilities and investors could be permitted to directly negotiate prices, purchase, and import medical devices from manufacturers or device owners, provided that both parties agree on the procurement arrangement and meet requirements related to after-sales services, maintenance, and technical support.

Towards a More Transparent Medical Device Market

The Ministry of Health is also proposing a more comprehensive approach to medical device management, including product lifecycle management, supply-chain oversight, traceability, and the development of an integrated national database for medical devices.

The proposed database would support greater transparency in listed and declared prices, as well as information on medical device businesses operating in Vietnam. Healthcare providers could use market price information as a reference when comparing tender prices with actual market transactions.

These measures are intended to improve access to reliable market information, identify unreasonable pricing, and support more efficient procurement decisions.

Reducing Intermediary Layers

Another key direction highlighted by the Government is the reduction of unnecessary intermediary layers in the medical device supply chain.

The proposed approach could allow greater flexibility in procurement methods, ranging from centralized procurement and procurement directly by individual healthcare facilities to price negotiation with manufacturers and other appropriate purchasing mechanisms.

For international medical device manufacturers, this direction signals a potential shift towards more direct engagement with healthcare providers and a more transparent market environment.

What This Could Mean for International Manufacturers

As Vietnam continues to develop its healthcare infrastructure and medical device market, international manufacturers may have increasing opportunities to establish direct commercial relationships with hospitals, clinics, laboratories, distributors, and other healthcare organizations.

However, entering the Vietnamese market requires more than simply identifying potential buyers. Manufacturers need to understand local regulations, product registration and compliance requirements, market positioning, pricing, distribution channels, and the purchasing practices of different healthcare segments.

Labomed Vietnam supports international medical device and healthcare companies in navigating the Vietnamese market, from market entry and business development to local market connections and commercial opportunities.

If your company is considering expanding into Vietnam, we would be pleased to explore how Labomed can support your market entry and business development strategy.

Source: Dân trí, September 12, 2026. The measures described above are proposals currently under consideration and should not be interpreted as regulations already in force.