The Vietnam - Oman Investment Fund (VOI), an intergovernmental investment fund between Vietnam and an Oman nation, has placed sustainable development at the heart of its strategies and actions. After 17 years, the fund has disbursed a total of USD 384 million, exceeding its initial commitment of USD 100 million. Its investment portfolio continues to expand, with increasing capital injections.

Pham Thi Thuy, VOI's deputy general director, stated that the fund defines sustainable development not merely as stable financial growth but also as a long-term commitment to invested businesses and the local community. "We focus on long-term investment opportunities in hospitals, education, clean energy, and engage in various charitable activities in local areas," Thuy said.

VOI invests in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, education, and healthcare, aiming not only for sustainable economic development but also for improving community living standards. Photo: VOI

VOI invests in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, education, and healthcare, aiming not only for sustainable economic development but also for improving community living standards. Photo: VOI

This approach has received government support. Government leaders previously suggested that the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) expand the investment fund to USD 1 billion to align with the scale of the economy and meet development needs. Among the proposed investment sectors, healthcare is considered highly strategic and essential.

The fund has made several investments in healthcare, such as becoming a major shareholder in Hanh Phuc General Hospital (An Giang). According to a VOI representative, it's no coincidence that healthcare has become one of the fund's priorities during its 17 years in Vietnam.

Amidst an aging population, Vietnam's healthcare system faces significant pressure to invest in and upgrade infrastructure. Public hospitals are often overcrowded, while high-quality private healthcare facilities remain limited in many provinces and cities.

"We see opportunities not only in the long-term investment potential but also in the ability to positively impact people's lives. Our decision to enter this sector isn't solely profit-driven but is a way to contribute to the overall development of the community," Thuy shared. A robust hospital system can provide access to quality healthcare, reduce social costs, and enhance long-term labor productivity.

Beyond investing in healthcare infrastructure, the fund also directly implements support programs for vulnerable groups. On 4/7, the fund announced a 4-year, 2 billion VND grant to the Social Work Department of Cho Ray Hospital to help patients in difficult circumstances access treatment. This is the fund's first long-term partnership with Cho Ray Hospital, marking a new expansion in its philanthropy linked to investment.

Pham Thi Thuy (left), VOI's deputy general director, presents the Support Fund for patients in difficult circumstances to Master Le Minh Hien (right), head of Cho Ray Hospital's Social Work Department. Photo: VOI

Pham Thi Thuy (left), VOI's deputy general director, presents the Support Fund for patients in difficult circumstances to Master Le Minh Hien (right), head of Cho Ray Hospital's Social Work Department. Photo: VOI

Master Le Minh Hien, head of Cho Ray Hospital's Social Work Department, believes VOI's support provides additional resources for their patient assistance program, which includes free heart surgery for children in several localities. Over the past 10 years, the department has examined, screened, and performed hundreds of free heart surgeries for children in Ben Tre, Vinh Long, and Dong Thap, enabling them to overcome illness, return to school, and live peacefully.

Representatives of VOI, Cho Ray Hospital's Social Work Department, and family members of patients receiving support from the Fund at the handover ceremony. Photo: VOI

Representatives of VOI, Cho Ray Hospital's Social Work Department, and family members of patients receiving support from the Fund at the handover ceremony. Photo: VOI

For poor families with children born with heart defects, this support is vital. Van Truong and Van Rin, two parents whose children received surgery through the program, said they couldn't afford the treatment without VOI and Cho Ray Hospital's help. "Thank you to those who gave my child a new beginning, so they can live healthily like other children," said N.V.T.

Previously, VOI also sponsored Hanh Phuc General Hospital (An Giang) to perform free cataract surgery for over 100 patients and provide free medical examinations and gifts to over 500 people in need.

"When poor patients receive free surgery, children in remote areas no longer wait for treatment, and major hospitals like Cho Ray have some relief from the healthcare burden, the value of investment isn't just reflected in the balance sheet but is present in every positive change in people's lives," a fund representative stated.

(Source: VOI)