Photo courtesy of Vietnam News

 

Vietnam plans to introduce an integrated healthcare–tourism–wellness model as part of a national scheme to develop high-quality medical services from 2025 to 2030. According to a draft plan by the Ministry of Health, five key provinces and cities, including Hà Nội and Hồ Chí Minh City, will implement this model by 2030. The initiative aims to enhance service quality at hospitals, achieve national and international recognition, attract foreign patients, and reduce the number of Vietnamese seeking treatment abroad.

 

Currently, about 40,000 high-income Vietnamese travel abroad annually for medical care, resulting in a significant outflow of foreign currency and challenging the reputation of domestic hospitals. The Vietnamese healthcare system has seen remarkable advancements over the past decades, mastering techniques like robotic surgery and organ transplants. However, challenges persist, such as limited international certification of public hospitals and inadequate financial mechanisms.

 

Experts highlight that current hospital infrastructure is inconsistent, with overcrowding at specialized facilities hindering service expansion. By 2030, the plan seeks to have at least 15 hospitals meet international standards like JCI. Participating medical facilities will establish international marketing departments and provide multilingual information to attract more patients.

 

Looking ahead, medical tourism packages will include high-tech treatments and combined wellness services. The rollout will occur in two stages: an initial pilot from 2025 to 2027 at selected hospitals, followed by nationwide scaling from 2027 to 2030. During this period, the focus will be on expanding cooperation with international insurance providers and enhancing service accessibility for foreign patients.

 

Key Takeaways

• Vietnam will launch a healthcare–tourism model across five cities by 2030.
• The scheme aims to boost hospital quality and retain domestic patients.
• Challenges include obtaining certifications and improving infrastructure.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Vietnam News 2025-09-12

 

 

That's great news. Some hospitals and clinics in Vietnam are already world-class, at very competitive prices. If they play this right and with real determination, they will have a lot to offer.