On the morning of 14/5, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan presented the appointment decision, stating that after nearly eight months of leading the hospital, Doctor Viet demonstrated leadership, management capability, maintained internal unity, and gradually resolved many difficulties remaining after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Doctor Viet served as Deputy Director of Cho Ray Hospital from 3/2024 and as Acting Director, managing and operating the hospital from 8/2025 until now. He graduated as a general practitioner from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, TP HCM, in 1997. He completed his Specialist Level one and thoracic surgery specialty at the same university, holding positions as a doctor in the Emergency Department, the General Planning Department, and later as its head until 2024.

Doctor Viet's predecessor was Associate Professor Nguyen Tri Thuc, who now serves as Deputy Minister of Health.

Cho Ray Hospital currently has two deputy directors: Associate Professor Lam Viet Trung and Doctor Nguyen Quoc Binh.

Doctor Viet receives his appointment decision as Director of Cho Ray, morning of 14/5. Photo: Le Phuong

According to Minister Lan, Cho Ray is a special-grade general hospital under the Ministry of Health, with a history spanning over 125 years. It currently serves as a leading medical center in the southern region. The hospital plays a pivotal role in public healthcare and acts as a reputable center for training, scientific research, and technology transfer nationwide.

In the post-Covid-19 period, the hospital faced drug and medical supply shortages, along with significant psychological pressure on healthcare staff. To date, many challenges have been addressed, patient examination and treatment activities have stabilized, and the hospital is now focusing on professional development. It serves as a referral center for severe and complex patients beyond the treatment capabilities of provincial hospitals.

"The hospital must grow stronger, continuing to affirm its brand in professional quality, service spirit, and patient care conditions", Minister Lan said.

Doctor Pham Thanh Viet, Director of Cho Ray Hospital. Photo: Hospital provided

Doctor Pham Thanh Viet stated that the role of Director of Cho Ray Hospital "is a great responsibility". In his new position, he will lead the hospital to further accelerate digital transformation, develop specialized techniques, move towards a smart hospital model, and effectively implement new facilities.

In the project to develop specialized medical centers in the southern region, Cho Ray plays a pivotal role. The hospital will also manage the Southern facility of the Central Endocrine Hospital and a new facility project funded by Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) in Binh Chanh district, aiming to alleviate the burden on the existing facility in central TP HCM.

According to Minister Lan, expanding the "hospital chain" model presents significant demands for human resources, governance, and digital transformation. This requires Cho Ray's board of directors to develop a synchronized development strategy for the entire system.

Doctor Viet gives Tet lucky money to kidney dialysis patients at the Artificial Kidney Department, Cho Ray Hospital, Binh Ngo Tet. Photo: Hospital provided

Cho Ray Hospital, originally designed for 1,800 beds, currently accommodates over 3,200 beds and has nearly 4,300 staff members. This includes approximately 840 doctors, 13 professors and associate professors, along with hundreds of leading experts.

The hospital receives approximately 6,000 to 8,000 outpatient visits daily. On 6/5, it recorded the highest number of patients in its history, with 9,021 visits. Cho Ray is the last-resort hospital in the southern region.

Le Phuong