Vietnam implements measures to strengthen primary healthcare and cancer treatment networks

Health authorities in Vietnam are working to enhance primary healthcare capabilities and expand specialized medical networks to reduce the burden on central hospitals. In Ho Chi Minh City, a new program for the 2026–2030 period aims to connect hospitals with local health stations. During the initial phase, 79 doctors from 39 hospitals and regional medical centers have been assigned to rotate through 37 commune and ward health stations to provide direct care and professional guidance to local staff.

Addressing cancer care, Le Van Quang, Director of K Hospital, noted a shortage of oncology specialists and medical equipment in mountainous and remote regions, including the Northwest, Central Highlands, and Mekong Delta. While training programs for local doctors have helped slow the growth of patient numbers at central hospitals, there remains a need for synchronized multi-modal treatment capabilities, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, at the provincial level.