This initiative is expected to provide local residents and tourists with easier access to higher-quality medical services directly in Ho Tram. This eliminates the need for long-distance travel or hospital transfers when facing health issues beyond the capabilities of local facilities.

The initial deployment includes 10 doctors and nurses from Children's Hospital 1, An Binh Hospital, Thu Duc Regional General Hospital, and Ba Ria - Vung Tau Eye Hospital. Each rotation is scheduled for one month. In addition to providing examinations and treatment, these senior doctors will offer hands-on guidance, transfer techniques, and remote consultation support to local medical staff. This aims to gradually enhance the regional center's on-site treatment capabilities.

A delegation surveyed and assessed the Ho Tram Regional Medical Center's situation in mid-May. Photo: Center provided

Tang Chi Thuong, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, stated Ho Tram was selected as the launch point for this regional healthcare capacity-building program. The area's rapid growth in tourism, services, and population has created an increasing demand for healthcare. The Ho Tram Regional Medical Center currently faces a shortage of specialists, coinciding with a rising influx of tourists.

Thuong noted that this model draws on previous experience supporting the Con Dao Military-Civilian Medical Center. In Ho Tram, four hospitals will cover distinct specialties: pediatrics, emergency and resuscitation, internal medicine, surgery, orthopedics, and ophthalmology. This approach will enable the locality to progressively build a healthcare system capable of serving both residents and visitors.

Ho Chi Minh City's healthcare sector envisions Ho Tram transforming into a medical tourism destination. This will occur as the quality of local medical examinations and treatments improves, elevating its status beyond just a resort area.

Ho Tram, a coastal area in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, lies approximately 120 km from central Ho Chi Minh City. Recent years have seen rapid development, with numerous high-end resorts and hotels attracting many tourists. This growth in both residents and visitors has generated an increasing demand for healthcare services, particularly for emergencies, accidents, or illnesses during their stays.

Le Phuong