On 13/9, Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology marked a significant milestone, celebrating 20,000 free cleft lip and palate surgeries. The event also included the inauguration of newly renovated sections A4 and A5 and the reception of the Labor Order, first class.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Duoc highlighted the hospital's shift from routine treatments to advanced techniques, including maxillofacial surgery, fibula free flap microsurgery, and cleft lip and palate surgery. He noted that these advancements are bringing the hospital closer to the standards of major international centers.

The achievement of 20,000 free cleft lip and palate surgeries carries profound social significance, particularly for disadvantaged children. This success, Mr. Duoc added, is a testament to years of collaboration among medical teams, experts, organizations, and individuals.

Beyond surgical achievements, the hospital has fostered research and training. Scientific projects and practical initiatives have been implemented, alongside studies on community oral health and student care models.

"The hospital not only treats illnesses but also generates knowledge", Mr. Duoc stated.

Nguyen Van Duoc, chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, at the ceremony on 13/9 to receive the Labor Order, first class, inaugurate sections A4 and A5, and mark 20,000 free cleft lip and palate surgeries at Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology. Photo: Song Khue

Mr. Duoc also addressed the hospital's digital transformation, from electronic health records to digitizing patient registration and management. He sees this as a crucial path to streamline manual procedures and improve patient access to services.

However, he underscored that modernizing healthcare extends beyond just machines and technology. "No matter how advanced science and technology become, or how modern machines are, everything must stem from the dedication of medical professionals", he asserted. He further cautioned against allowing technological progress to diminish compassion and devotion.

He explained that superior technology and techniques, if not matched by dedicated care, risk eroding the vital connection between medical staff and patients. Therefore, the hospital must continue to develop specialized techniques, integrate research into treatment, accelerate digital transformation, and innovate governance. The goal is to achieve more convenient, accurate processes and deliver enhanced patient care.

Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology receives the Labor Order, first class, on 13/9. Photo: Hospital provided

Established in 1976 as the Odonto-Stomatology Station under the Department of Health, Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology now serves nearly 1,000 patients daily. The recently renovated sections A4 and A5, operational since September, involved an investment exceeding 116,6 billion VND. These sections feature one basement and seven above-ground floors, spanning over 5,500 square meters.

According to Dr. Nguyen Duc Minh, Director of the hospital, the A4 and A5 upgrades aim to expand operational space, improve the treatment environment, and support specialized technical development. He emphasized that a modern hospital's value is not solely in its buildings or equipment, but in the tangible improvements patients experience, such as easier access to services, safe treatment environments, and the availability of new techniques.

"The value of these investments must be demonstrated by changes that patients can feel", Dr. Minh affirmed.

Following the 20,000 free cleft lip and palate surgeries, the hospital will continue supporting children needing treatment. Concurrently, it plans to further develop specialized techniques, training, scientific research, and digital transformation.

Le Phuong