Vietnam pledges to upgrade six hospitals to international standards
The hospitals will be equipped with advanced technology and offer “world-class” medical services to both domestic and international patients
Vietnam has promised to upgrade six hospitals to international standards, to tackle the increase in its citizens seeking medical care overseas.
In the healthcare network plan for 2021–30 recently endorsed by the Prime Minister, Phạm Minh Chính, Vietnam envisions six hospitals attaining global recognition for their advanced medical facilities in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Thừa Thiên-Huế.
The Ministry of Health (MoH) previously recommended the modernisation of five specialised hospitals in Vietnam to meet international standards. These include Bạch Mai Hospital, Việt Đức Hospital, Military Hospital 108, Chợ Rẫy Hospital, and Huế Central Hospital.
The plan outlines an accessibility target to have 33 hospital beds, 15 doctors, 3.4 pharmacists and 25 nurses per 10,000 people by 2025.
By 2030, these figures are expected to rise to 35 hospital beds, 19 doctors, four pharmacists and 33 nurses per 10,000 people.
Looking further afield to 2050, Vietnam’s healthcare sector hopes to have established several modern facilities of international standard, aiming for 45 hospital beds, 35 doctors, 4.5 pharmacists, and 90 nurses per 10,000 people.
Alongside this are plans to expand private healthcare facilities, with private beds projected to constitute at least 10% of the total by 2025, 15% by 2030, and 25% by 2050.
According to MoH’s data, as of 2023, there were 12.5 doctors and 32 hospital beds per 10,000 people. While this places Vietnam on a par with India and ahead of Indonesia, the nation aims to further align with global standards.
To achieve its targets, MoH pledges to prioritise the recruitment and retention of qualified healthcare professionals, enhance remuneration policies, and implement pricing regulations to ensure sustainable healthcare financing.
According to officials, healthcare facilities will be restructured based on the needs of populations rather than administrative boundaries, encouraging more equitable access to medical services nationwide.
Last year, the Vietnamese National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (NHOG) teamed up with Bayer Vietnam to promote women’s health.