Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital Overwhelmed, 1,000 Patients Await Surgery

Ho Chi Minh City's largest cancer hospital is facing severe overcrowding and a backlog of over 1,000 patients awaiting surgery due to a sharp increase in patient numbers. Dr. Diep Bao Tuan, the hospital's director, stated that despite the opening of a second campus, patient numbers continue to rise dramatically. In 2025, the hospital recorded over 1.08 million outpatient visits, a 22% increase from the previous year. Patient numbers are projected to grow by 10-15% this year, with 75% of patients coming from outside Ho Chi Minh City. The hospital performs an average of 40,000 surgeries annually, along with 350,000 chemotherapy and 200,000 radiation therapy sessions. However, its 27 operating rooms can only accommodate about 150 surgeries per day, even with extended hours and weekend work. Dr. Tuan noted that the rising incidence of cancer is a global trend, not unique to Vietnam. Most cancer patients in southern Vietnam seek treatment in HCMC, placing increasing pressure on the hospital. Cancer surgery is more time-consuming and technically demanding, leading to long wait times for surgery and radiation therapy, averaging around three weeks. This prolonged waiting period causes significant anxiety for patients with tumors. The hospital has requested city authorities to allocate land in Ba Ria Ward for the construction of a third campus. However, the procurement of additional operating rooms and medical equipment involves lengthy procedures. As a long-term solution, the hospital is considering expanding cancer screening and early detection programs, citing Japan's successful nationwide screening initiatives over 70 years ago. The hospital is also participating in Ho Chi Minh City's universal health screening campaign, aiming to detect cancer at earlier stages. Furthermore, a collaboration agreement with An Sinh Hospital will facilitate consultations for complex cases, workforce training, technology transfer, scientific research, and joint cancer screening programs.