The ministries of Health and Finance have issued a circular announcing new hospital fees for more than 440 healthcare services, which will take effect as of April 15.

Seventy percent of the fees will increase to about five times the current rate, and others will multiply by up to 20 times.

The circular also set ceiling prices for half of the health care services to prevent patients from being overcharged.

The Poor Patient Support Fund will be expected to pay a portion of the hospital fees for poor people who have health insurance.

For those without insurance, the fund will provide financial assistance only in cases when the fee was more than 1 million VND (48 USD).-VNA