The Ministry of Health in Vietnam is undergoing a significant digital transformation, recognising the irreversible trend that technology integration holds in healthcare. Associate Professor Dr Phan Le Thu Hang, Deputy Director of the Department of Financial Planning, asserts that the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the implementation of smart medical solutions are pivotal in elevating Vietnam’s health coverage, service quality, and management of medical costs, which have long been daunting challenges for healthcare systems globally.
With a focus on leveraging information technology and digital transformation, Vietnam’s healthcare sector is poised to enhance grassroots healthcare delivery significantly. This strategic initiative involves comprehensive upgrades to healthcare infrastructure, intensive training programs for medical personnel, and the refinement of pertinent healthcare policies to align with the evolving digital landscape.
The Prime Minister has approved a Master Plan for the Healthcare Network from 2021 to 2030, with a vision extending to 2050, aiming to establish comprehensive healthcare systems at regional, inter-provincial, and inter-sectoral levels. The plan encompasses various healthcare services, including medical treatment, rehabilitation, preventive health, and pharmaceutical testing.
The plan envisions modern healthcare facilities meeting international standards, fostering the domestic pharmaceutical industry, and achieving ratios of 45 hospital beds, 35 doctors, 4.5 pharmacists, and 90 nurses per 10,000 people, with 25% of hospital beds under private management.
Healthcare in Vietnam is increasingly turning to cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to elevate patient care outcomes. Embracing AI’s potential, the sector is actively exploring its applications in research and clinical practice, leveraging technologies like text mining and machine learning to analyse medical data and enhance decision-making.
Robotics, too, is being deployed across various healthcare tasks, from elderly care to surgical interventions, with robotic surgery emerging as a minimally invasive option to improve outcomes and patient experiences. While AI adoption in emergency and trauma settings is in its nascent stages, there’s growing interest in its potential benefits, though challenges such as research and training programs remain.
Vietnam currently boasts an extensive network of approximately 11,400 communal-level medical facilities, playing a vital role in easing the burden on higher-tier hospitals and improving access to healthcare services for citizens across the country. These facilities serve as essential pillars in the nation’s healthcare ecosystem, ensuring that healthcare services are accessible to all, particularly in remote and underserved regions.
Aligning with a directive from the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat, the Ministry of Health is intensifying efforts to consolidate, refine, and elevate the quality of grassroots healthcare services in response to changing dynamics and emerging challenges. This directive underscores the imperative for proactive measures and innovative approaches at all levels of governance to address the evolving healthcare needs of the population effectively.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health is collaborating closely with various ministries, agencies, and local authorities to strengthen the policy framework and implement core strategies aimed at promoting the sustainable development of grassroots healthcare workers. This collaborative approach emphasises the importance of cross-sectoral coordination and knowledge sharing to drive meaningful progress in healthcare delivery and outcomes.
In parallel, there is a growing emphasis on mobilising non-public healthcare participation in primary healthcare services, necessitating a harmonious blend of governance, technology, and financial strategies. This multifaceted approach aims to foster a conducive environment for private sector engagement while ensuring equitable access to high-quality healthcare services for all segments of the population.
As Vietnam continues its journey towards digital transformation in healthcare, the integration of innovative technologies and the adoption of best practices will be critical in realising the vision of a robust, resilient, and inclusive healthcare system that meets the evolving needs of its citizens in the digital age.