Health

Over the past four decades of Doi moi (Renewal), Vietnam’s healthcare sector has made remarkable progress, and is now well positioned to achieve further breakthroughs by harnessing science, technology and innovation to improve public health care in the new era, according to experts from the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA).

Vinmec Smart City Hospital in Hanoi announced it has successfully applied CAR-T cell therapy for the first time to treat a 28-year-old female patient suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus with severe kidney damage.

According to the municipal Department of Health, as of July 20, a total of 732,873 residents had undergone periodic check-ups and had electronic health records established. The figure reflects encouraging initial results from the citywide campaign launched by the department and underscores local authorities' commitment to implementing one of the largest community healthcare programmes ever undertaken in the southern metropolis.

The campaign, launched on July 16, aims to ensure that all residents receive health examinations, have electronic health records and benefit from continuous health management.

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.

Upon arrival at Cho Ray Hospital, the patient remained in critical condition. However, doctors reported encouraging signs, with both haemodynamic parameters and blood oxygen levels showing improvement.

The surgery was completed in just 65 minutes, the shortest operation time among all heart transplants carried out at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

To commend and honor exemplary orphaned and abandoned children who have shown willpower and determination to overcome difficulties and excel in their studies, training, and lives; and to acknowledge and express gratitude to organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to the care of orphaned and abandoned children, the Vietnam Association for the Protection of People with Disabilities is organizing the First "Flowers Offered to Uncle Ho" Program - 2026, in Hanoi.

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.

According to Decision No. 1675/QD-BYT recently issued by the Ministry of Health, the practice of periodic health check-ups for children under 6 years old will be standardized nationwide. The document focuses on requiring all children in this age group to receive a periodic medical examination at least once a year. Decision 1675/QD-BYT officially takes effect and replaces Decision 1284/QD-BYT (issued on May 7, 2026) to adjust professional content to better suit the practice of medical examination and treatment.

French Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Etienne Ranaivoson described the technology transfer as a vivid evidence of over-30-year health cooperation between the two countries.

Director of the municipal Department of Health Tran Thanh Thuy said the city has developed a comprehensive plan for conducting free periodic health examinations and screening services throughout 2026, and prepared the necessary human resources, facilities and digital infrastructure to ensure effective implementation.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Ha Thanh, Director of the NIHBT and head of the campaign’s organising committee, said the Red Journey is a symbol of dedication, compassion and social responsibility, and the campaign carries the hopes of millions of voluntary blood donors and helps bring life-saving opportunities to patients in urgent need of blood transfusions.

Ho Chi Minh City is pioneering efforts to expand access to quality healthcare by deploying doctors and extending hospital services to remote and island areas, as part of its push toward universal health coverage.

Health experts warned that prolonged heat exposure could cause heatstroke, heat exhaustion and other serious health conditions. High-risk groups include the elderly, children, pregnant women, people working or exercising outdoors for long periods, and those suffering from chronic illnesses such as hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and diabetes.