Following a period of addressing emergency health challenges, Vietnam’s healthcare sector is undergoing significant transformations, focusing on shifting management paradigms and optimizing resources for universal health coverage.
A shift in strategic mindset The management focus has moved from “passive response” to “proactive creation.” Following the spirit of Resolution 72-NQ/TW, healthcare is viewed not merely as a technical field but as a vital political mission, with prevention as the foundation and personalized health management throughout the life cycle. The primary objective is to reduce the disease burden through early, remote, and grassroots-level protection.
Breakthroughs in policy and finance The health sector has identified six key pillars to drive development in the new term:
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Legal framework: Finalizing critical laws such as the Law on Disease Prevention and the Law on Population to provide a transparent legal basis for professional activities.
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Financial reform: Implementing a roadmap for hospital fee exemptions for basic services covered by health insurance. Starting in 2026, periodic health check-ups and disease screenings are expected to be funded by the state budget and insurance funds, prioritizing vulnerable groups.
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Grassroots healthcare system: Strengthening the capacity of local health stations by ensuring qualified personnel and adequate equipment to manage non-communicable diseases (diabetes, hypertension) directly within the community.
[Image symbolizing the transition from curative to preventive medicine using digital health records]
Technology and people as growth drivers The application of AI and digital transformation is considered the fastest path to achieving health equity. The sector aims to universalize electronic health records integrated with national population data while promoting remote expert consultation models. Additionally, human resource policies are being adjusted to attract and retain medical staff, recognizing healthcare as a specialized profession that requires commensurate compensation.