Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen received a US business delegation led by John Goyer, Executive Director for Southeast Asia and Oceania at the US Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi on May 6.
The two sides sought measures to expand cooperation in key areas of health care, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, to improve service quality and foster innovation.
The discussions focused on regulatory frameworks for AI-powered diagnostic software and digital health solutions, the development of a national breast and cervical cancer screening programme, licensing procedures for new pharmaceuticals and medical devices, updates to the medical device law, opportunities for private-sector cooperation, as well as issues related to the health insurance drug list and food safety.
The meeting also formed part of efforts to implement the Politburo's Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW on international integration in the new context and Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation.
Tuyen highlighted the strong healthcare partnership between Vietnam and the US, particularly Washington's support for public health care, disease prevention and control, workforce training, and strengthening the national health system. He expressed hope that bilateral cooperation, including in health care, would continue to deepen for the benefit of both countries.
He noted that Vietnam-US healthcare cooperation has produced significant outcomes in recent years, with the US serving as one of Vietnam's leading partners in strengthening healthcare capacity, combating diseases, advancing scientific research and technology transfer, and developing a high-quality medical workforce.
The official praised the contributions of US companies in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology and digital health, saying they have helped improve the quality of healthcare services in Vietnam.
As the world faces mounting challenges ranging from population ageing and non-communicable diseases to public health risks and climate change, healthcare innovation will be key to building a more resilient, adaptive and inclusive health system, he said.
Vietnam's health sector is prioritising three pillars - digital transformation, including electronic health records, telemedicine, and AI applications in diagnosis and disease management; improving grassroots healthcare to ensure equitable access in remote areas; and promoting a sustainable healthcare model, focusing on easing overcrowding, and developing advanced treatment models, including home-based care and preventive medicine.
The ministry sees significant potential for cooperation with US companies in advanced medical technologies, research and development, and resilient healthcare supply chains, Tuyen said, calling on American healthcare firms to continue developing practical and mutually beneficial partnerships with Vietnam.
Goyer and representatives of the participating US companies introduced their respective strengths and shared their interest in Vietnam's healthcare policy and regulatory framework.
In recent years, the Ministry of Health has issued a series of guidelines designed to create a more favourable environment for international investment and cooperation, including with US companies. These reforms have also opened up greater opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to collaborate, adopt cutting-edge technologies, develop domestic products that meet local demand, and gradually expand into export markets.
Tuyen expressed confidence that the exchanges would help translate cooperation into concrete outcomes, delivering tangible benefits for the public./.
