A doctor from the medical centre of Ward 16, Go Vap district, Ho Chi Minh City is providing an online medical examination for a patient. (Photo: VNA)
The development of telemedicine was a key focus of a Vietnam–Republic of Korea seminar jointly hosted by the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on June 26.
The seminar brought together senior representatives from UNDP, the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH), Korean health agencies, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health, international organisations, and development partners.
Deputy Minister of Health Prof. Dr. Tran Van Thuan highlighted that telemedicine represents a signature feature of modern healthcare, where technology is harnessed to serve people, promote equity, and broaden access to medical services across all regions, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Ministry of Health swiftly launched a telemedicine programme, connecting more than 1,000 medical establishments nationwide. The model, which remains in operation, has benefited tens of thousands of patients, including foreign nationals.
To facilitate its growth, Vietnam has established a comprehensive legal framework to support the long-term development of telemedicine, Thuan said.
Notably, since 2020, the UNDP-supported telehealth initiative “Doctors for Everyone” has been deployed in eight provinces. Building on its success, the Ministry of Health is now collaborating with KOFIH and the UNDP to implement a new remote healthcare project in 10 mountainous and underserved provinces.
Thuan described the initiative as a meaningful example of international cooperation, aligning with Vietnam’s commitment to leave no one behind in healthcare access.
He also called for continued collaboration among participating local health departments and agencies to ensure the project’s success and integration into the national healthcare system.
KOFIH Director Cheon Joo-hwan noted that telehealth is not only a technical solution, but also a tool for advancing health equity. The project, with support from the Samsung Kangbuk Hospital, integrates digital technology to close the healthcare gap among population communities.
UNDP Resident Representative Ramla Khalidi reaffirmed the organisation’s support for ensuring inclusive, high-quality healthcare services, especially for vulnerable groups.
Experts at the seminar also discussed international models for telemedicine operations and payment systems, while Vietnamese representatives outlined local service structures, financing models, and future digitalisation plans./.