Vietnam Pursues Breakthroughs in Primary Healthcare and Workforce Development

The Vietnamese government has reiterated the importance of people at the center of national development, emphasizing that sustainable and rapid growth requires a healthy, knowledgeable, and skilled population, alongside a modern, equitable, efficient, sustainable, and accessible healthcare system. In line with this, key priorities include continuously improving healthcare services by placing people at the center, enhancing grassroots healthcare capacity, and accelerating digital transformation. For instance, Ho Chi Minh City has developed a comprehensive plan for free periodic health examinations and screening services until 2026, preparing the necessary human resources, facilities, and digital infrastructure. As of July 20, over 732,873 residents in the city had undergone periodic check-ups, with electronic health records established, reflecting progress in community healthcare programs. In terms of workforce development, the Vietnam Military Medical University has trained 687 Lao military medical personnel since 1954, including doctors, master's and doctorate holders, and specialists, indicating Vietnam's significant role in regional medical cooperation. Medical technological advancements are also notable. Bai Chay Hospital successfully performed its first multi-organ retrieval, showcasing its capacity for complex medical procedures. Vinmec Smart City Hospital in Hanoi has applied CAR-T cell therapy for the first time to treat a patient with severe kidney damage from systemic lupus erythematosus. Furthermore, Vietnam aims to become a trusted healthcare destination in Southeast Asia by 2030 and a leading medical tourism hub in Asia in the future, with efforts to develop its healthcare network and strengthen cooperation with international medical institutions. Vietnam and France co-hosted a high-level conference on next-generation vaccine technologies, and pharmaceutical giant Sanofi is collaborating with VNVC on technology transfer for domestic vaccine production. These initiatives highlight Vietnam's remarkable progress in the healthcare sector since the Doi Moi (Renewal) policy, as it strives for further breakthroughs by leveraging science, technology, and innovation to improve public health in the new era. Information source: VietnamPlus English