During the recent Tết holiday period spanning from January 25 to 28, 2025, Vietnam's healthcare system remained busy, as over 121,000 patients were receiving treatment across various medical facilities nationwide. This report from the Ministry of Health highlights the notable commitment of thousands of healthcare professionals who chose to engage in their duties away from their families during the lunar New Year celebrations.
According to the health ministry, more than 88,700 patients came to healthcare facilities for examinations and emergency care within just 24 hours. This surge contributed to over 310,000 patients visiting hospitals during the entire four-day Tết holiday. Out of these, approximately 83,464 were admitted to hospitals, and nearly 9,420 surgical procedures were conducted, including 1,356 emergency surgeries.
Throughout this period, the medical community celebrated the birth of 7,720 infants, demonstrating not only the dedication of healthcare staff to their work but also the joy of new life amid the holiday festivities.
Reports detailing traffic-related incidents suggested approximately 3,500 were treated for injuries related to road accidents within the same 24-hour window. Further statistics during the holiday indicated there were 35 emergency cases linked to firecrackers, alongside 10 incidents involving homemade weapons and explosives. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported from these emergencies.
The Ministry of Health assured the public about the sufficiency of medical resources, indicating all healthcare facilities were well-stocked with necessary medications and supplies. "To date, there have been no reports of drug shortages or price increases," the ministry stated, reflecting confidence in the nation’s readiness to handle healthcare needs, even during the busy holiday season.
The activity experienced during the Tết holiday also emphasizes the important role of healthcare professionals, who often sacrifice their personal time for the welfare of the community. The healthcare sector, particularly emergency rooms and maternity wards, saw extensive activities characterized by both urgency and compassion, as doctors and nurses worked diligently to tend to the sick and injured.
Healthcare experts have noted the challenges faced during high-demand periods like Tết. The influx of patients and potential incidents due to holiday celebrations, including accidents and festivities, put extra pressure on healthcare facilities. Despite these pressures, the overall responsiveness from healthcare workers has been commendable, reinforcing their commitment to public service.
Many hospitals reported adjustments made to accommodate the high volume of patients. These changes included increasing staff on duty and preparing additional resources to swiftly address emergencies. During Tết, there is typically higher traffic on the roads, leading to increased accidents, and healthcare facilities bracing for this surge.
Given the importance of such holiday periods, the Ministry of Health stresses the need for continued observation of safety measures, particularly around the use of firecrackers and adherence to traffic laws. These regulations help decrease the number of preventable accidents during the festivities, positively impacting both holiday enjoyment and health outcomes.
The preparedness and resilience shown by Vietnam's health sector during Tết highlight the necessity of maintaining adequate medical resources. Moving beyond just the festive season, the experiences gathered during this time contribute to the overall enhancement of Vietnam's response systems for healthcare provisioning.
Looking toward the future, discussions on long-term improvements and strategies continue within government circles to eventually ease the pressures on healthcare systems during peak periods. The dedication demonstrated by healthcare workers during Tết stands as a reminder of the invaluable nature of service within the medical community, echoing the sentiments of gratitude from families and individuals who benefit from their care.
With this kind of commitment, the Vietnamese healthcare system not only strives to meet immediate medical needs but also aims to advance its operational capabilities, ensuring timely and efficient responses for all its citizens, no matter the circumstances.