COVID-19 spurs digital transformation in health sector: experts

The COVID-19 pandemic is a catalyst for speeding up the digital transformation in the health sector, according to experts.
COVID-19 spurs digital transformation in health sector: experts ảnh 1Illustrative. (Photo: suckhoedoisong.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) – The COVID-19 pandemic is a catalyst for speeding up the digital transformation in the health sector, according to experts.

Nguyen Truong Nam, Deputy Director of the Informatics Department under the Ministry of Health Ministry, during the two years of the pandemic, doctors have been accustomed to the application of information technology solutions in medical examination and treatment. The Internet access also facilitates the online check-up and treatment process, he told Dau tu (Investment) newspaper.

According to Nghe An province’s Department of Health, software on medical examination, treatment and health insurance payment has been applied at all health facilities in the locality.

Electronic medical records have been used at three public hospitals and all administrative procedures have been conducted on the province’s portal, it said.

Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan said that despite difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic the health sector has successfully carried out a telehealth programme that connects with more than 1,000 health centres across the country, with thousands of people getting free medical consultions, examination and treatment.

Nguyen Huy Dung, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, said that healthcare is one of the pioneers in adopting shared digital platforms with an aim to help doctors improve the quality of medical examination and treatment as well as enable people to access more convenient services.

According to Nam, the health sector targets all hospitals using electronic health records instead of paper-based ones by 2025.

However, capital resources remain a challenge, he said, adding that hospitals can fulfill the goal with due investment from localities.

To speed up the digital transformation in the sector, it is necessary for hospitals to massively apply information technology, experts said, noting that each locality should set up a health-related database that will serve the sharing of data among hospitals./.
VNA

See more

Medical staff at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City cares for and treat the victim. (Photo published by VNA)

Last survivor of Phu Quoc boat capsize shows signs of recovery

The health condition of the last patient receiving treatment following the deadly boat capsize off the Phu Quoc special one in An Giang province has shown positive signs of improvement after three more days of intensive care, Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City said on July 16.

The number of foreign tourists coming to Ho Chi Minh City for travel combined with medical check-ups is increasing. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam looks to unlock medical tourism potential with national strategy

The draft strategy aims to position Vietnam as a trusted healthcare destination in Southeast Asia by 2030 and eventually among Asia's leading medical tourism hubs. The plan marks a shift from viewing medical tourism as an untapped opportunity to making it a national development priority.

Delegates at the conference. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam to produce first homegrown next-generation vaccines from 2028

Under the agreement, Sanofi will transfer technology to VNVC to manufacture selected high-demand vaccines for children and adults at VNVC Vaccine and Bioproduct Plant. The first next-generation vaccines produced in Vietnam are expected to roll off production lines in 2028.

Eric and Alysha joyfully welcome their baby through Mini IVF after more than 10 years of waiting. (Photo: Hong Ngoc Phuc Truong Minh General Hospital)

Vietnam - a destination for journeys to parenthood

An increasing number of international families are choosing Vietnam for infertility treatment, embarking on journeys to parenthood that transcend geographical distance and differences in nationality.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung delivers remarks at the inauguration ceremony for Viet Duc University Hospital's second campus in Ninh Binh province. (Photo: VNA)

PM urges modern restructuring of healthcare network

The PM stressed that throughout the country’s development process, people have consistently been regarded as the centre, the driving force, the objective and the most important resource for national development. Sustainable and rapid development requires not only a healthy, knowledgeable and skilled population but also a modern, equitable, efficient, sustainable and accessible healthcare system.

Thu Duc General Hospital, with a capacity of 1,000 beds, was inaugurated and put into operation in April 2025 (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City moves to expand robotic surgery to gateway hospitals

According to the municipal Department of Health, developing gateway hospitals is a key pillar of the city's strategy to establish a regional specialised healthcare system. The network is designed to permanently relieve overcrowding at major downtown hospitals while strengthening strong inter-regional emergency care and treatment network.

Doctors conduct health screenings for children in Tru Van Tho commune, Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo :VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City moves closer to universal health check-ups

Achieving universal health check-ups in 2026 will lay the foundation for a new healthcare model in which every resident has an electronic health record, receives regular screenings, benefits from lifelong health management and gains access to early intervention through primary healthcare services.