Vietnam’s Healthcare Advances: A Focus on Maternal and Child Wellbeing
Vietnam is making significant strides in specialized healthcare, particularly in the realm of maternal and child health. Recent visits by Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan to the Central Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital highlight a commitment to improving patient care and embracing modern medical techniques.
Expanding Access to Specialized Care
The Central Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital has successfully connected with 40 satellite clinics, bringing convenient pregnancy management closer to home even as maintaining the safety of childbirth at a leading facility. This expansion reflects a broader trend towards decentralized healthcare, ensuring more Vietnamese citizens have access to quality medical services.
Shifting Disease Patterns and Cancer Care
While common diseases are decreasing (down 2%), specialized areas like cancer are seeing an increase (up 7%), and pelvic floor diseases are also on the rise (4.5%). This shift underscores the need for continued investment in specialized medical expertise and advanced diagnostic tools. The hospital’s focus on sentinel lymph node biopsy in cancer treatment, with 20 successful cases, demonstrates a proactive approach to tackling these challenges.
The Rise of Fetal Medicine
The establishment of the Fetal Medicine Center in 2025 is a key development. Despite being newly established, the center has already conducted 662 examinations and in-depth consultations in just five months. The hospital is actively working towards mastering complex procedures like placental biopsy and fetal fluid aspiration, paving the way for early intervention and improved outcomes in demanding cases.
Neonatal Care and Umbilical Cord Blood Banking
The Neonatal Care and Treatment Center is achieving impressive results, with survival rates for premature and extremely premature infants reaching 97.8% and 88.4%, respectively. The Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Center maintains a secure “biological asset bank” of 4,876 samples, offering potential for future regenerative medicine applications.
Technological Advancement and Training
In 2025, the hospital implemented a plan to develop 30 new technical procedures. Eighteen have been approved, and six are already in operation, including intravitreal injection for neonatal retinopathy (17 successful cases). Alongside technological advancements, the hospital prioritizes training, conducting 133 professional courses for 10,736 participants and providing continuing education for 2,590 trainees. International collaboration, with 71 foreign experts, further enhances expertise.
Aligning with National Population Policies
Minister Lan emphasized the importance of coordinating efforts to implement Vietnam’s new population policy and maternal and child health care strategies. This alignment is crucial as Vietnam addresses demographic shifts and aims to provide comprehensive care for families.
Did you know? The Central Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital is celebrating its 71st anniversary in 2026, coinciding with Vietnamese Doctors’ Day.
Future Trends in Vietnamese Healthcare
Several key trends are shaping the future of healthcare in Vietnam:
- Increased Specialization: A growing demand for specialized care will drive investment in advanced medical facilities and training programs.
- Decentralization of Services: Expanding networks of satellite clinics will improve access to care in rural and remote areas.
- Technological Integration: Adoption of new technologies, such as AI-powered diagnostics and robotic surgery, will enhance precision and efficiency.
- Preventive Care: Greater emphasis on preventive care and early detection of diseases will reduce healthcare costs and improve public health outcomes.
- International Collaboration: Continued partnerships with international experts and institutions will facilitate knowledge transfer and innovation.
FAQ
Q: What is the current survival rate for extremely premature infants at the Central Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital?
A: 88.4%.
Q: How many satellite clinics are connected to the Central Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital?
A: 40.
Q: What is the focus of the newly established Fetal Medicine Center?
A: Early intervention and saving lives in difficult cases through advanced diagnostics and procedures.
Pro Tip: Regular check-ups and screenings are essential for maintaining fine health and detecting potential problems early.
Learn more about Vietnam’s healthcare system here.
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