Vietnamese Deputy PM Inspects Newly Inaugurated University Hospital, Emphasizes Medical Quality and Trust

On September 20, 2023, in Ho Chi Minh City, Deputy Prime Minister Le Tien Chau visited the newly inaugurated Hong Bang International University Hospital. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that while hospital facilities can be invested in over a few years, a hospital's reputation is built over decades through treatment quality, patient safety, and medical ethics. The visit took place in the context of advancements and challenges in Vietnam's healthcare policy, including the acceleration of digital transformation in the pharmaceutical sector, directives from the Ministry of Health regarding expedited health check-ups, proposals for health insurance to cover periodic health check-ups and early screening for seven types of cancer, the milestone of over 4 million people receiving health check-ups in Ho Chi Minh City, and the city's provision of specialized medical care to its gateway areas. Under the one-party system led by the Communist Party, Vietnam prioritizes economic growth to improve the lives of its citizens. In the healthcare sector, the country aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of medical services through the expansion of universal health insurance, the introduction of advanced medical technologies, and the promotion of digitalization. Particularly, with rapid economic growth in recent years, public health awareness has increased, leading to a greater demand for higher quality healthcare. However, disparities in healthcare between urban and rural areas, and between public and private hospitals, remain a challenge. Furthermore, while Vietnam has strong economic ties with China, it also faces geopolitical tensions, such as those in the South China Sea. In this context, strengthening domestic social infrastructure, especially the healthcare system, is essential to support the stable lives of its citizens and sustain national development. The inauguration of new medical facilities like Hong Bang International University Hospital is expected to contribute to enhancing the capacity of medical service provision within Vietnam. The Deputy Prime Minister's remarks suggest the importance of establishing long-term credibility and quality as a medical institution, not just building new facilities, thereby indicating the future direction of development in Vietnam's healthcare sector.