The Ministry of Health recently held a meeting of the appraisal council in Hanoi to consider the proposal from the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards, seeking recognition of its international hospital quality standards in Vietnam.
Vietnam is advancing efforts to align its healthcare system with global standards, as the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) formally seeks recognition from the Ministry of Health. ACHS, an independent, not-for-profit organization representing governments, consumers, and health bodies across Australia, has successfully implemented its hospital accreditation standards in multiple countries.
This marks the first time an international standards body has applied for official recognition in Vietnam, aiming to launch hospital quality certification programs that comply with national regulations, including the Politburo’s Resolution No.72-NQ/TW, which outlines key strategies for improving public health.
ACHS standards focus on care quality, patient safety, and continuous improvement. Hospitals must register and undergo regular evaluations to maintain accreditation. In Vietnam, Hung Vuong Hospital became the first public institution to achieve ACHS Accreditation within a year. Private hospital groups like Hoan My and Hong Ngoc have also adopted ACHS International (ACHSI) standards, while others work with the US-based Joint Commission International (JCI).
Vietnamese hospitals currently follow the Ministry of Health’s 83 quality criteria. At a recent meeting, Dr. Ha Anh Duc emphasized the importance of recognizing international standards to enhance transparency and hospital reputation. He urged ACHS to integrate expert feedback and finalize its dossier. The ministry plans to develop advanced standards tailored to Vietnam while harmonizing with global practices./.
Binh Nguyen