THE HANOI TIMES — This week marked the groundbreaking ceremony for Hanoi’s state-of-the-art elderly healthcare complex at Hanoi Medical University Hospital, a key event in the 14th National Party Congress celebrations.

Party General Secretary To Lam (fourth from right), Hanoi Party Secretary Nguyen Duy Ngoc (fifth from right), and esteemed delegates at the groundbreaking ceremony. Photos: Ministry of Health
During the ceremony, Party General Secretary To Lam emphasized the project’s critical role in Hanoi’s healthcare infrastructure and its alignment with the national strategy to enhance public health, particularly for the elderly, as Vietnam faces rapid population aging.
“Healthcare for the elderly is a deeply humanitarian issue, reflecting the collective responsibility of the Party, the State, society, and families toward those who have dedicated their lives to the nation,” stated the Party leader.
He reiterated that the people are both the ultimate goal and the driving force of development, with public healthcare remaining a core and enduring political priority.
With life expectancy on the rise, Vietnam’s healthcare and social security systems face mounting pressure, necessitating innovative policy responses.

Party General Secretary To Lam delivering a keynote address at the ceremony.
He highlighted that the Party and State have introduced several landmark policies to proactively address population aging, positioning public healthcare as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
Lam expressed confidence that the project will emerge as a beacon of academic excellence, humane care, and modern healthcare in the new era.
“The Hanoi government must collaborate closely with the Ministry of Health and relevant agencies to ensure the project’s success, adhering to legal regulations while maintaining quality and investment efficiency,” Lam added.
The project boasts a total investment of VND16 trillion (US$612 million), with phase one slated for completion by 2028 and full operational readiness by 2030.

Party General Secretary To Lam visiting and presenting gifts to patients at Hanoi Medical University Hospital.
Designed as a smart, eco-friendly hospital, the complex will leverage advanced technologies and artificial intelligence for diagnosis, treatment, and management, serving as a technological hub for Hanoi’s healthcare digital transformation.
The project will further expand with the construction of specialized surgical and oncology centers, research institutes, dormitories, and lecture halls, all set for completion by 2030.
Hanoi Medical University and participating healthcare institutions were urged to uphold the highest professional standards and medical ethics, prioritizing the quality of care and the well-being of the elderly, while striving to establish a renowned center for geriatric training and research.

Vietnamese seniors engaging in a mass exercise program, embodying the spirit of “living healthy, living youthful”. Photo: VNA
Vietnam aims to transform its rapidly aging population into a new engine of economic growth, as policymakers caution that the country is entering one of Asia’s fastest aging phases.
At a recent national forum on the silver economy, Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member and Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, noted that Vietnam’s demographic landscape is shifting rapidly, with individuals aged 60 and above comprising over 14% of the population by 2025.
“The nation should shift from viewing aging as a welfare burden to recognizing older adults as valuable economic contributors,” Thang remarked.
He advocated for integrating eldercare into community services and policies, laying the groundwork for a sustainable silver economy—encompassing economic activities, products, and services tailored to meet the needs of an aging population, typically those aged 50 or older.
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