Key Development
Vietnam is developing a national traditional medicine strategy through 2030, with a longer term vision extending to 2045. The initiative aims to move traditional medicine beyond heritage preservation and establish it as a modern, standardized and integrated component of the national healthcare system.
Key priorities are expected to include policy reform, workforce development, medicinal herb quality, scientific research and digital transformation. Vietnam also plans to expand the integration of traditional and modern medicine across prevention, clinical treatment, rehabilitation and primary healthcare.
Non pharmaceutical approaches such as acupuncture, massage, acupressure and therapeutic exercise are also expected to receive greater attention, particularly within community and primary care settings.
Why It Matters
• Traditional medicine may support chronic disease management, rehabilitation and elderly care as Vietnam’s population ages.
• Integration with modern medicine can broaden treatment options but requires consistent clinical standards and scientific validation.
• Stronger quality control and traceability will be essential for improving the safety and credibility of medicinal products.
• The strategy could stimulate investment in medicinal herbs, consumer health products, clinical research and wellness tourism.
• Digital tools could support treatment records, remote consultation and real world evaluation of health outcomes.
Healthcare Insight Analysis
The strategic challenge is not simply expanding traditional medicine services. It is transforming a practice based system into a measurable, evidence informed and scalable healthcare model.
For traditional medicine to function as a genuine pillar, providers will need standardized treatment pathways, reliable outcome data and reimbursement mechanisms that reflect clinical value. Therapies should increasingly be evaluated according to safety, effectiveness and cost efficiency rather than historical use alone.
Vietnam possesses significant advantages in medicinal plants, cultural knowledge and established clinical practice. However, these assets will only generate sustainable value if the sector develops stronger research capabilities, transparent supply chains and internationally credible manufacturing standards.
Market Implications
The strategy may create opportunities for hospitals, traditional medicine providers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, health technology companies and investors developing integrated care models. It will also increase expectations surrounding evidence generation, product quality, professional governance and responsible promotion.
Successful implementation could reposition traditional medicine from a complementary service into a clinically relevant and economically valuable part of Vietnam’s healthcare ecosystem.