Following Ho Chi Minh City’s expansion on 1/7, cancer patients from areas previously outside the city limits, such as Ba Ria - Vung Tau and Binh Duong, will now have access to the same benefits as city residents. Dr. Diep Bao Tuan, director of Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, explained on 7/7 that according to the Ministry of Health’s Circular 01/2017, patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy can receive same-day treatment. This means they are treated as outpatients but receive the same benefits as inpatients, provided they reside (permanently or temporarily) within the city where the hospital operates.

For those who don't reside in the city, same-day treatment is only available for patients who voluntarily request it and are not classified as poor or near-poor.

This policy change means residents of the expanded Ho Chi Minh City, where the two campuses of the oncology hospital are located, can now receive same-day treatment covered by health insurance without needing inpatient admission. The decision for same-day treatment rests with the treating physician, based on the patient's health and condition.

"Previously, patients from Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau (former provinces) who came for chemotherapy or radiation therapy had to request a transfer and be admitted to the hospital to receive inpatient benefits from health insurance," Dr. Tuan said. Now, they have the option of same-day treatment, coming to the hospital for a few hours of treatment and then returning home to rest before their next session. This allows for greater comfort, less fatigue, and reduced living expenses.

Patients receiving same-day chemotherapy at Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, campus 2. Photo: Quynh Tran

Patients receiving same-day chemotherapy at Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, campus 2. Photo: Quynh Tran

The Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital has seen a rapid increase in cancer screenings, especially since the opening of its modern second campus in 2023. The hospital currently receives around 4,700 to 5,000 outpatient visits and 900 to 10,000 inpatient cases daily. To better meet this demand and eliminate the need for patients to share beds, the hospital is gradually increasing its bed capacity from 1,000 to 1,200.

While the hospital has always served patients from other provinces, the recent expansion on 1/7 has not yet resulted in a dramatic increase in patient numbers, as it remains the primary cancer treatment center for the southern region.

Le Phuong