The Ministry of Health has recently introduced a draft plan for medical tourism development, seeking public feedback. A core component of this plan is the pilot program, a strategic step towards building high-quality medical service packages. This initiative aims not only to attract international tourists but also to retain the estimated 40,000 Vietnamese who travel abroad for medical treatment each year, a Ministry of Health representative stated.
The pilot program will run from 2025 to 2027, focusing on developing 10 to 15 initial medical-tourism packages before expanding nationwide between 2027 and 2030. These packages will encompass advanced medical procedures like oncology, cardiology, and orthopedics; traditional medicine combined with resort stays; and comprehensive healthcare services, including screenings and rehabilitation.
To achieve this goal, the plan mandates that by 2030, at least 15 hospitals nationwide must meet international quality standards (such as JCI accreditation), with a minimum of five public hospitals among them. Participating medical facilities will also be required to establish professional communication departments capable of providing information in at least three languages to reach a global market.
According to a representative from the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment, medical tourism plays a strategic role in developing the healthcare system, promoting economic growth, and enhancing the nation's standing. Studies in several countries demonstrate the significant impact of medical tourism. In China, traditional medicine therapies at Boao Lecheng (Hainan) attract thousands of clients, boosting revenue and biomedical research.
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Vietnamese doctors performing the first brain tumor removal surgery using a robot. Photo provided by the hospital. |
Vietnamese doctors performing the first brain tumor removal surgery using a robot. Photo provided by the hospital.
In Thailand, affordable heart surgery and cosmetic procedures (25,000-30,000 USD compared to 100,000 USD in the US) generate 600-700 million USD annually. In Malaysia, medical services priced 30-50% lower bring in 1.7 billion USD, stimulating the economy and investment. South Korea's cosmetic surgery and cancer treatment generate 4.3 billion USD in revenue, promoting K-pop culture. Japan's onsen tourism and cancer treatment generate 13 billion USD, preserving culture and developing local economies.
In Vietnam, the trend of international visitors combining tourism and conferences with medical treatment is growing. According to Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Tourism, before the Covid-19 pandemic, an average of 300,000 foreign visitors came to Vietnam for medical treatment annually, with 40% concentrated in Ho Chi Minh City.
However, the healthcare sector still faces challenges, particularly uneven infrastructure quality and limited insurance coverage. Creating a favorable legal framework to encourage investment and upgrade medical facilities is seen as key to the model's success. The Ministry of Health noted that Vietnam is learning from countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and South Korea, which have generated billions of USD annually from medical tourism.
Le Nga
