Many complex medical conditions once requiring treatment abroad can now be treated in Vietnam: expert

The information was shared by Dr. Ha Anh Duc, head of the Medical Services Administration under the Ministry of Health, at a seminar on achievements in Vietnamese Medicine, with a focus on applying science and technology to treat complex cases,” organized by Thanh Nien (Young people) newspaper in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday.

According to Dr. Duc, Vietnamese medicine has made significant advances in recent years, from robotic surgery and minimally invasive procedures to the use of artificial intelligence and modern imaging systems in diagnosis, as well as specialized techniques in surgery, oncology, physiatry and aesthetic medicine.

These are not merely professional achievements.

Behind every new technique and every successfully treated complex case is a patient given another chance, a family relieved of some of its burden and, more importantly, stronger public confidence in the country's healthcare system.

Advanced technology, new demands

However, the rapid development of science and technology also presents new demands for the healthcare sector.

The challenge is not simply to acquire modern technology, but, more importantly, to master it, select the right technologies and apply them effectively, safely and appropriately to Vietnam's actual conditions.

Therefore, research, application and technology transfer in healthcare must continue to be promoted in the coming years.

Priority should be given to fields with the potential to make breakthroughs in diagnosing and treating complex diseases, while strengthening connections among hospitals, universities, research institutes and technology companies.

At the same time, patients must remain at the center of the innovation process.

The ultimate goal of applying technology is not to acquire more modern equipment, but to help patients receive earlier diagnoses and better, safer treatment at more reasonable costs.

“However advanced they may be, modern medical devices cannot replace the role of doctors,” Dr. Duc said.

“Therefore, we must continue to train doctors, technicians and other healthcare workers who possess strong professional expertise and can access, operate and master new technologies,” he added.

“In particular, we need to develop a team of experts capable of conducting research, innovating and gradually developing technologies of Vietnam, rather than stopping at adopting and using imported technologies,” Dr. Duc emphasized.

A proud path of development

Nguyen Ngoc Toan, editor-in-chief of Thanh Nien newspaper, said Vietnamese medicine had followed a proud path of development, achieving historic milestones even when facilities and medical equipment were still limited.

One example was the separation surgery on Vietnamese conjoined twins Viet and Duc at Tu Du Hospital 38 years ago, which earned admiration from the international medical community.

More than 30 years later, Ho Chi Minh City Children's Hospital successfully performed separation surgery on conjoined twins Truc Nhi and Dieu Nhi.

These achievements are not only milestones in surgery but also demonstrate Vietnamese doctors' ability to master advanced techniques and their willingness to take on difficult and complex medical cases.

Experience has shown that as science, technology and the professional capabilities of medical teams advance together, the boundaries of medical treatment continue to expand.

Technology is becoming an important tool that helps doctors make more accurate diagnoses, perform less invasive procedures and offer more effective treatment options, Toan said.