THE HANOI DIGITAL HEALTHCARE REVOLUTION – Technology is revolutionizing healthcare in Hanoi, particularly in the realm of digital transformation, and its impact is profound.
The digital revolution is improving medical services and patient care in Hanoi, but there is still work to be done to ensure consistent and efficient digitization. Incomplete implementation has left some patients facing challenges in accessing timely and effective treatment.
A recent incident in the province of Nam Dinh brought this issue to light. A young boy, a victim of a traffic accident, had to wait for his parents to arrive and settle administrative formalities before receiving urgent medical attention due to deposit requirements.
This sparked outrage and led to suspensions among medical staff. However, it also drew attention to a deeper problem: the absence of a streamlined digital system for patient information management.
With a centralized digital database linked to national ID numbers, hospitals could instantly access crucial information such as insurance details, guardian information, and medical history. This would enable emergency treatment to commence immediately, with payment processed subsequently.
Many nations have already implemented such systems, digitizing basic citizen information, including identity, health records, financial status, and emergency contacts. This empowers healthcare workers to act swiftly and efficiently, especially in critical situations.
Recognizing the importance of digital transformation, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has set an ambitious goal: every citizen should possess an electronic health record. Hospitals are encouraged to transition from paper-based systems to digital solutions for medical records, billing, and patient care management.
This transition is well underway, with electronic medical records, digital processing of lab results and medical images, and cashless payments already in use in several provinces. Companies like VNPT are contributing to this progress with their hospital information systems (HIS), telemedicine platforms, and image archiving solutions.
While these efforts are modernizing healthcare, there is a need to address remaining challenges. Firstly, infrastructure gaps persist, particularly in rural areas, where outdated equipment and unreliable internet connections hinder the effective utilization of digital tools. Secondly, there is a need for ongoing training to ensure medical staff are comfortable and proficient in using new digital systems.
Additionally, privacy and data security are critical concerns, requiring clear regulations and legal protections. Lastly, cross-departmental integration is vital, linking healthcare data with insurance, civil registration, and population databases to ensure smooth functionality and real-time information access.
From Vision to Action
The Nam Dinh case underscores the importance of moving beyond individual acts of kindness and ethics. Instead, a robust healthcare system, underpinned by digital solutions, is necessary to guarantee fairness, speed, and consistency in patient care.
While emergency funds have been proposed as a short-term solution, the ultimate answer lies in establishing a modern digital infrastructure that serves all citizens. Local governments must prioritize digitization, even at the grassroots level, ensuring that remote areas are not left behind.
Deputy Minister of Health, Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, emphasized this commitment at the 32nd International Medical and Pharmaceutical Exhibition in Hanoi. She shared the ministry’s plans for a groundbreaking policy to eventually offer basic health services free of charge, a vision that relies on an efficient and transparent healthcare system.
Digital transformation is about empowering people and processes. It enables healthcare professionals to work with enhanced clarity, fairness, and accountability. Every medical emergency is a reminder that delays can cost lives, and good intentions must be coupled with a robust structure that ensures timely and dependable care for all.
When embraced and implemented widely, digital transformation will form the backbone of a healthcare system characterized by dignity, transparency, and safety for every patient.
Taking off with the Flavors of Vietnam: A Culinary Journey
The culinary delights on offer here are a true taste of Vietnam. From the iconic banh mi, a French-inspired baguette with a Vietnamese twist, to the delicate xoi khuc – sticky rice and cudweed balls, each dish is a flavor explosion. Sample the sweet Moc Chau strawberries and tangy Son La plums, an authentic taste of the region, all without leaving your seat.
Hanoi’s Streets Aglow for Lunar New Year Festivities
Hanoi’s streets are a vibrant display of color and festivity as the city gears up to welcome the Lunar New Year and commemorate the 95th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The streets of the Vietnamese capital have been adorned with flags, flowers, and banners, creating a joyful and patriotic atmosphere. Hoang Dieu, Hung […]
Vibrant Sunflowers, Hanoi’s Springtime Spectacle.
The Tabebuia aurea, a yellow-flowering tree, puts on a stunning display for Hanoians, brightening the overcast skies of late spring with its vibrant blooms. Known as the Caribbean trumpet tree or “Phong Linh” in Vietnamese, this plant delights locals from late February to May, adorning the capital with its natural beauty and lush colors during […]
The Creative Capital: Hanoi’s Cultural Revolution
THE HANOI CREATIVE REVOLUTION — Creative spaces are the catalysts of innovation, infusing the capital with a unique cultural identity, fostering a thriving creative economy, and solidifying Hanoi’s reputation as a city that seamlessly blends youth, dynamism, modernity, and tradition. These were the inspiring words of Bach Lien Huong, Director of the Hanoi Department of […]
Unveiling the Captivating Hanoi Gift Tourism Festival 2025
THE HANOI TIMES — An exhilarating three-day festival, Hanoi Gift Tourism Festival 2025, captivates locals and visitors alike as they immerse themselves in the vibrant culture, creativity, and culinary delights of Hanoi. Organized by the Hanoi Department of Tourism, the festival celebrates the capital’s iconic gift products and offers a unique opportunity to experience the […]
