Vietnam's Healthcare Sector Need for Qualified Specialist Doctors
Developing healthcare infrastructure and new hospital facilities increase the need for specialist doctors and resident physicians while current supply struggles to meet this demand.
Increasing healthcare infrastructure investments and new hospital projects in Vietnam have raised the requirement for highly qualified specialists and resident physicians to the highest level. The current number of graduates remains insufficient to meet the demands of the country's expanding healthcare network.
The Role of Resident Physicians in the Healthcare System
Resident physicians constitute a critical workforce in hospitals at the central level. Following three years of intensive practical training, these physicians are in high demand by tertiary and local hospitals.
Doctor and Nurse Projections for the Future Period
According to Ministry of Health data, as of the end of 2025, there are approximately 15 doctors per 10,000 people. It is projected that 72,000 doctors and 304,000 nurses will be needed nationwide between 2021 and 2030.
Training Data and Graduation Expectations
In the 52-year history of resident doctor training, 8,441 specialists have been trained up to the end of 2025. Although another 1,276 physicians are expected to graduate in 2026, data from Hanoi Medical University and other institutions show that the need is expressed in thousands of people.
New Hospital Investments and Personnel Demand
The commissioning of second facilities of major institutions such as Bach Mai and Viet Duc Friendship hospitals has accelerated employment. Provincial hospitals such as Yen Bai and Lao Cai are also turning towards specialized human resources with infrastructure investments.