Vietnam is making significant strides in its healthcare system, particularly through digital innovations and advanced surgical procedures. Recent developments include the introduction of the Zalo Mini App, which has transformed the way patients access healthcare services across multiple hospitals.
One notable case occurred at Bệnh viện Đa khoa huyện Phú Xuyên, where the introduction of the Zalo Mini App has greatly improved appointment scheduling for patients. Đào Thị Nga, the head of the hospital's IT department, explained the app's impact: "Giờ đây, chỉ cần đặt lịch hẹn qua Zalo, bệnh nhân chỉ cần đến trước 15 phút là được khám ngay". Previously, patients were forced to wait as early as 3 AM for appointments, but now they can arrive just before their scheduled time, significantly reducing wait times.
Similarly, Bệnh viện Gia An 115 recently achieved a surgical milestone when surgeons successfully removed the largest documented liver tumor from a patient. The 63-year-old man from Gia Lai underwent surgery for what was described as a “khổng lồ” (huge) tumor measuring 18x18x15 cm and weighing over 2 kg. This operation, which took place on February 26, 2025, was led by Thạc sĩ - bác sĩ Phan Bảo Toàn, who described the case as one of the most challenging encountered throughout his surgical career.
The patient had previously been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C and discovered the tumor during routine medical assessments. Initial examinations revealed the tumor's extensive size, which complicated the necessary surgical procedures. Doctors at Gia An 115 characterized the growth as primary liver cancer, necessitating decisive intervention.
During the nearly four-hour surgery, the healthcare team focused on safely removing the tumor without compromising the remaining liver functionality. Thanks to advanced medical equipment and thorough pre-operative planning, the operation was deemed successful. After the surgery, the patient recovered well and was discharged shortly afterwards, marking this surgery as the largest liver resection undertaken by Bệnh viện Gia An 115.
According to Thạc sĩ - bác sĩ Phan Bảo Toàn, "Ung thư gan là một trong những loại ung thư phổ biến và nguy hiểm nhất tại Việt Nam." The doctor emphasized the need for regular health screenings, particularly for individuals at high risk, to facilitate early detection and treatment of liver cancer. He advises those with hepatitis B and C infections to perform screenings every six months, as these chronic conditions significantly increase the likelihood of developing liver cancer.
Further enhancements made by Vietnamese healthcare institutions include the integration of self-service kiosks and electronic medical records (EMR), which streamline patient data collection and improve the overall efficiency of health services. The Zalo Mini App and other digital tools represent the healthcare sector's commitment to modernization, providing patients with valuable resources and improving their experience within the system.
Internationally recognized for its advancements, Vietnam aims to integrate more technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and telehealth solutions as part of its healthcare vision for 2030. These initiatives promise to empower patients, reduce wait times, and extend access to healthcare services, particularly for those living in remote areas.
Overall, the combination of innovative technology and expert medical care not only enhances patient experiences but sets high standards for healthcare delivery across the nation. The success of surgeries like the one performed at Bệnh viện Gia An 115 showcases the capabilities of Vietnamese healthcare professionals and the potential for future advancements. With continuous improvements, Vietnam’s healthcare system appears poised to achieve even greater heights, offering hope and promoting the wellbeing of its citizens.