Restructuring of the Healthcare Network in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is implementing a multi-layered model to ease overcrowding at top-tier hospitals and strengthen primary healthcare services.
A multi-layered, multi-polar, and multi-centered healthcare network restructuring model has begun implementation in Ho Chi Minh City to reduce congestion at tertiary hospitals and increase the capacity of primary healthcare services.
Congestion and Inequality in the Healthcare Sector
Associate Professor Dr. Tang Chi Thuong, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, stated that efforts are underway to reduce the burden on primary healthcare facilities. Current congestion is concentrated in a few tertiary hospitals specializing in high-demand areas such as internal medicine, oncology, cardiology, stroke, trauma, obstetrics, and pediatrics.
Six Key Factors Enhancing Capacity
To alleviate the burden on upper-tier hospitals, solutions are being implemented that guarantee six factors: adequate human resources, appropriate drugs and equipment, an expanded range of medical procedures, direct connections with hospitals, data interoperability, and a suitable funding mechanism.
Single-Hospital and Multi-Facility Model
The healthcare sector is developing the single-hospital and multi-facility model to extend the capacity of strong hospitals to other areas. Additionally, pre-hospital emergency care processes and referral procedures are being improved within this scope.
Expert Opinions and Evaluations
Dr. Ha Anh Duc, Director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Administration under the Ministry of Health, stated that overcrowding in hospitals has decreased thanks to the increased capacity of lower-tier facilities and technology transfer. Prof. Dr. Le Dinh Thanh, Director of Thong Nhat Hospital, and Associate Professor Dr. Dao Xuan Co, Director of Bach Mai Hospital, also drew attention to the importance of strengthening local healthcare services and early diagnosis.