Vietnam Emerges as a Preferred Destination for Medical Tourism
Vietnam's burgeoning healthcare sector is no secret, with the country quickly making a name for itself in the medical field, and it's not just because of its picturesque landscapes, rich culture, and delicious food. Viêt Nam is becoming a trusted destination for affordable, high-quality medical treatments, attracting an estimated 300,000 foreign patients annually.
A recent fetal cardiac intervention on a Singaporean patient by doctors from Children's Hospital 1 and Từ Dũ Hospital in HCM City has turned heads in the medical community. The successful operation showcases the capabilities of Vietnamese doctors and serves as a powerful draw to attract more international patients seeking quality care.
In another case, a family from Australia living in Bali brought their four-year-old daughter to Vietnam for a single-incision laparoscopic surgery to treat a choledochal cyst, a technique only available in a select few hospitals worldwide. After a quick recovery and no large scars, the family was thrilled with their decision to come to Vietnam.
A 30-year-old expat living in New Zealand successfully underwent reconstruction surgery for the perineum and anal sphincter at Việt Đức Hospital in Hà Nội, after three failed operations in New Zealand. She was released in good health after ten days, and her Iranian husband expressed their satisfaction with the treatment and care provided.
Việt Đức Hospital's Colorectal and Perineal Surgery Centre has treated numerous patients from Poland, Hungary, Japan, and the UK, who had previously failed to receive successful treatment for anal fistulas or abscesses abroad. Foreign patients are increasingly attracted to Vietnam due to the improving quality of healthcare services, significantly lower treatment costs compared to other countries, and the professional skills of Vietnamese medical workers that are on par with those in developed nations.
A successful fetal cardiac intervention performed on a Singaporean patient by doctors from Children's Hospital 1 and Từ Dũ Hospital in HCM City brings bright prospects ahead. Photo suckhoedoisong.vn
With HCM City accounting for over 40% of international patients using medical services in Vietnam, the city holds immense potential for medical tourism if it is properly promoted and supported by suitable policies.
Seizing this opportunity is critical in staying ahead of the growing trend. Major hospitals are actively training high-quality personnel, upgrading infrastructure, and fostering international cooperation.
The Institute of Traditional Medicine in HCM City has been developing medical tourism for about three years, with Dr Nguyễn Thanh Tuyên, deputy director, noting thatwhile results have been modest, medical tourism remains a top priority. The institute aims to work closely with travel companies to meet the diverse needs of international tourists and develop a team of highly skilled, communicative medical workers offering comprehensive services from reception to treatment.
Despite challenges, public hospitals are making strides in developing medical tourism. The HCM City Dermatology Hospital, a first-class specialist facility, has become a prestigious destination for treating dermatological and cosmetic conditions for both local and international clients. Việt Nam's opportunity lies in its resources, potential, and affordable treatment costs.
The HCM City Dermatology Hospital has become a trusted destination for treating dermatological and cosmetic conditions. Photo bvdl.org.vn
The growth of medical tourism can be attributed to several key factors: affordability, geographic proximity, government support, investments in advanced medical technology, a growing middle class, and streamlined infrastructure and services. With the right promotion and policies, Vietnam can cement its position as a medical tourism hotspot.
- The successful fetal cardiac intervention on a Singaporean patient by Vietnamese doctors suggests a rising focus on AI and research in Vietnam's medical-conditions sector, further attracting international patients seeking advanced medicine.
- The colossal benefits of travel to Vietnam for medical procedures are increasingly apparent, with one Australian family opting for a single-incision laparoscopic surgery for their daughter, demonstrating the country's prowess in health-and-wellness and science.
- The 30-year-old expat from New Zealand expressed satisfaction with her reconstruction surgery for the perineum and anal sphincter, indicating a growing alliance between labor and medical-conditions, showcasing Vietnam's strong health capabilities and fostering goodwill with foreign patients.
- War and culture often seem disparate, but Vietnam's medical tourism industry is bridging this gap, drawing patients from Poland, Hungary, Japan, and the UK to seek treatment for anal fistulas or abscesses, demonstrating the intersection of science, medicine, and culture in Vietnam's healthcare sector.
- The burgeoning healthcare sector in Vietnam, combined with the affordability and high-quality treatments, has led to the country becoming a trusted destination for medicine and health-and-wellness, challenging established medical powerhouses and ushering in a new era of health and global cooperation.
