Brian Jeffrey
Government Plan for Hospital Upgrades
The government has announced a new plan focusing on upgrading six hospitals to align with global standards. The institutions chosen for this initiative are Bach Mai Hospital, Viet Duc Friendship Hospital, Hue Central Hospital, Cho Ray Hospital, 108 Central Military Hospital, and 175 Military Medical Hospital.
This initiative is detailed in Decision No. 1576/QD-TTg, which was signed by Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long on December 16. The decision supports the restructuring of the national healthcare network for the period from 2021 to 2030, with a long-term vision extending to 2050.
Priority Hospitals and New Healthcare Facilities
Among the six selected hospitals, five are classified as “Special Class” hospitals: Bach Mai, Viet Duc Friendship, Hue Central, Cho Ray (affiliated with the Ministry of Health), and 108 Central Military Hospital (linked to the Ministry of National Defense).
Additionally, the government is prioritizing the establishment of the Central Highlands General Hospital and National Centers for Organ Transplant Coordination in major cities including Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Public Health Investments
Investments in public health will focus on creating a central disease control center along with three regional centers aimed at disease management.
In the area of reproductive health, the plan proposes the creation of two new diagnostic centers for prenatal and newborn care in Thai Nguyen and Dak Lak, alongside the upgrade of six existing facilities located in Hanoi, Nghe An, Thua Thien Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, and Can Tho.
Private Sector Engagement
To foster growth, the government emphasizes the role of the private sector in projects that do not rely on public funding. Private investments will be encouraged in high-tech healthcare services to cater to a variety of health needs across different demographics, including affluent individuals and expatriates.
Consolidation of Public Healthcare Institutions
The government also plans to streamline public healthcare institutions for improved efficiency, in line with the objectives set out in Resolution No. 19-NQ/TW from the Central Executive Committee of the 12th Party Congress issued on October 25, 2017.
Healthcare Workforce and Technological Advancement
To support these initiatives, there will be efforts to enhance the training of healthcare professionals by improving medical education quality to meet increasing demands for doctors, pharmacists, and nurses. The strategy underlines the importance of innovation in healthcare, utilizing big data and artificial intelligence, particularly in advancing biotechnology, pharmacology, and medical electronics.
Focus on Underserved Areas
A significant part of the plan is dedicated to investing in healthcare infrastructure in economically challenged, remote, and border regions. This includes developing facilities for preventive healthcare and specialized hospitals for treating tuberculosis, leprosy, and mental health issues.
The government will also motivate businesses and research institutions to establish specialized laboratories for drug development, providing suitable incentives to enhance private sector involvement.
