Street vendors overrun sidewalks around major hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City

The sidewalks along Hong Bang, Dang Thai Than, and Mac Thien Tich Streets, surrounding the University Medical Center in Cho Lon Ward, are packed with food carts, beverage stalls, and vendors selling supplies for patients’ families. 

Many of these vendors even spill out into the streets amid heavy traffic.

Despite signage prohibiting stopping, parking, and street vending, the vendors continue to operate openly.

Some food carts occupy entire bus stops directly in front of the hospital entrance, creating a serious risk of accidents.

Along both sides of Dang Thai Than Street, the sidewalks have been converted into makeshift parking lots. 

Every morning, vehicles line both sides of the street, forcing pedestrians to weave between moving motorbikes.

Tien Dat, 50, a resident of Tay Ninh Province, who is taking care of a family member at the University Medical Center, said taking his mother for check-ups or hospitalization is exhausting because of the crowd.

Sometimes they have to walk around a crowd just to reach the hospital. 

In emergencies, this becomes a major obstacle and causes stress for both patients and their families.

A similar situation is occurring on Nguyen Chi Thanh Street in front of Cho Ray Hospital’s main gate.

Dozens of carts selling banh mi and drinks crowd the hospital entrance, with customers and vendors pushing and shoving. 

Meanwhile, cars and motorbikes stop and park randomly, causing frequent congestion in the area.

According to the People’s Committee of Cho Lon Ward, the street vending problem around major hospitals like Cho Ray, the National Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology, and the University Medical Center has persisted for a long time.

Authorities have carried out regular inspections and enforcement, but vendors are often aware of patrol schedules and simply relocate temporarily to nearby areas, only to return once authorities leave.

The ward attributes part of the issue to the hospitals’ inability to meet the demand for affordable food services and parking, especially for low-income patients and their families.

Hospital parking lots are often overloaded, while canteen prices are too high for many, pushing people toward cheaper sidewalk options.

In response, the ward has issued a plan to improve traffic order, urban cleanliness, and environmental sanitation.

It is also working with Minh Phung Ward, the Cho Lon traffic police, and nearby hospitals to sign an inter-agency cooperation agreement aimed at maintaining order and cleanliness around hospital areas.

The ward is educating residents not to support street vendors, and is developing a plan to install surveillance cameras in frequently violated areas for image-based enforcement.

Additionally, local police have been instructed to strengthen enforcement in crowded locations such as hospitals, schools, and markets.