This plan was discussed in a meeting chaired by Nguyen Phuoc Loc, Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, on 16/7. The meeting included the Department of Health and representatives from major hospitals such as Thong Nhat, Hung Vuong, Binh Dan, Trauma and Orthopedics, and Nhan Dan 115.

Established in 2005, the 60-bed Con Dao Military-Civilian Medical Center combines the functions of a medical center and a district military clinic. It serves residents, local armed forces, tourists, and fishermen, providing medical examination and treatment, rehabilitation, and preventive medicine. However, it faces challenges, particularly in obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, pediatrics, and access to advanced diagnostic, treatment, and emergency techniques for critical cases.

To meet the healthcare needs of approximately 14,000 permanent residents and 400,000 tourists annually, experts have proposed upgrading the center to Con Dao General Hospital. According to Tang Chi Thuong, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, the goal is to ensure capacity for medical examination and treatment, emergency care, community health management, and emergency response on the island.

The former Con Dao District Military-Civilian Medical Center, now the Con Dao Special Zone Military-Civilian Medical Center. *Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health*

Initially, Ho Chi Minh City will increase the rotation of specialist doctors, develop emergency and resuscitation systems, implement telemedicine, and apply AI in interpreting diagnostic images. Citywide electronic health records will also be implemented. Con Dao will then develop a hospital with necessary specialized departments, equipped with laboratory, diagnostic imaging, inpatient and outpatient treatment systems, and an emergency coordination center connected to the mainland.

Mr. Thuong stated that the health sector will focus on applying digital technology to community health management in Con Dao. With a population "just large enough for a comprehensive pilot," creating health data for all island residents is feasible. The health sector will collaborate with Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy and technology partners to implement a personalized health management system based on the family medicine model.

The first rotation of specialist doctors is scheduled for early 9/2025. A "specialized affiliation" model between each of the city's tertiary referral hospitals and the specialized fields of the Con Dao Medical Center will also be explored to establish long-term responsibility between the mainland and the island. Tertiary referral doctors will simultaneously transfer techniques to medical staff in Con Dao.

Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy and Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine will support distance learning, continuing education, and "Green Summer" programs, as well as on-site medical personnel training for the island. The National Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology will also implement a school dental program to prevent tooth decay among students on the island.

The Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee praised the health sector's initiative, emphasizing that developing Con Dao's healthcare is not only for social security but also a strategic task for the city, aligning with the overall regional development direction after consolidation. Mr. Loc requested the Department of Health to finalize the proposal for enhancing Con Dao's healthcare capacity for submission to authorities, providing a basis for resource allocation.

Le Phuong