In the field of dentistry, the cost of a dental implant in Vietnam ranges from $1,000 to $1,200 - about one-fifth the cost in the United States (approximately $5,000). Competitive pricing is one of Vietnam’s strongest advantages in attracting and developing medical tourism.

Resolution 72 by the Politburo on “Breakthrough solutions to enhance the protection and improvement of public health” emphasizes the need to develop specialized medical services that meet both domestic and international standards. It calls for investment in high-quality, regionally and globally competitive medical centers to promote health tourism in Vietnam and curb the growing trend of outbound medical travel.

Competitive prices and high professional standards

In an interview with VietNamNet, Dr. Ha Anh Duc, Director General of the Department of Medical Services Administration under the Ministry of Health, stated that Vietnam enjoys several advantages for developing its medical tourism sector. These include favorable geography, natural conditions, safety, and a skilled healthcare workforce.

In 2024, Vietnam was listed among 110 countries with the world’s best healthcare systems, ranking 89th overall. The country scored well in terms of medical infrastructure and the expertise of its healthcare professionals.

One of Vietnam’s standout strengths is its competitive pricing, short waiting times, and efficient, friendly service. According to the Ministry of Health, the cost of medical services in Vietnam is only about 30-50% of that in countries like Singapore or Thailand.

“In dentistry alone, Ho Chi Minh City generates about $142 million annually. A dental implant costs only $1,000 to $1,200, compared to $5,000 in the U.S. and still much lower than in Thailand,” said Dr. Duc.

Moreover, medical services in Vietnam allow patients to save on indirect costs, thanks to faster turnaround times for procedures such as surgery, MRI scans, and CT scans. In some countries, these services may require up to six months of waiting.

In specialties such as cardiology, reproductive support, and dentistry, international visitors and overseas Vietnamese have praised Vietnam’s affordability, competitiveness, and friendly services.

Vietnamese physicians master advanced techniques

Vietnamese doctors have successfully mastered many advanced techniques, reaching levels comparable to those in regional and global medical hubs - particularly in complex specialties such as cardiology, orthopedics, dentistry, aesthetics, and fertility treatment. This expertise gives Vietnam a considerable edge in the global health tourism market.

However, Vietnam’s medical service quality has yet to fully align with global accreditation standards. The country has 52,000 clinics, over 400 private hospitals, and 1,600 public hospitals. Still, only one public hospital - Ho Chi Minh City’s Hematology and Blood Transfusion Hospital - and a few private hospitals have achieved JCI certification, a prestigious international accreditation with more than 1,300 stringent criteria.

Despite having modern medical equipment, especially in the private sector, Vietnam lacks adequate brand promotion. Dr. Duc acknowledged this as a significant weakness.

Vietnam’s medical tourism brand remains underdeveloped. International marketing efforts are limited, brand credibility is low due to the lack of internationally accredited facilities, and there is no comprehensive promotional strategy. These factors are major barriers to the growth of the sector, despite its potential to generate billions in revenue.

Vietnam’s earnings lag behind neighbors

“Thanks to medical tourism, countries around Vietnam are making billions each year. Thailand earns $6 billion, Singapore $2 billion, and Japan $4 billion, while Vietnam earns only a few hundred million dollars - a modest figure,” Dr. Duc noted.

According to him, medical tourism involves more than just healthcare and travel. It requires the participation of multiple sectors such as finance, insurance, diplomacy, and visa issuance to create favorable conditions for travelers seeking both leisure and treatment. In practice, coordination between these sectors remains limited.

Developing quality standards for medical facilities

The Ministry of Health is currently drafting a plan titled Development of High-Quality Medical Services and Promotion of Medical Tourism to Attract Foreigners and High-Income Vietnamese (2025-2030). The plan targets at least 15 hospitals meeting international standards (JCI or equivalent) by 2030, including a minimum of 5 public hospitals.

All pilot facilities must have international marketing and communication departments, providing information in at least three languages. Enhancing foreign language skills and customer service for international clients is considered a critical factor in improving service quality and strengthening Vietnam’s global competitiveness in medical tourism.

Dr. Duc emphasized that the ministry’s role is to finalize quality standards for medical facilities, adapting JCI benchmarks to Vietnam’s specific conditions.

Hospitals will offer all-inclusive service packages ranging from 2 to 10 days, covering procedures such as surgery, IVF, cosmetic treatments, and rehabilitation. These packages will be promoted in partnership with the National Tourism Administration and travel agencies through official international channels.

Customers will receive end-to-end support - from inquiries and bookings to treatment coordination. The Ministry of Health is also working with immigration authorities to study more flexible visa policies tailored to medical tourists. In addition, international payment solutions must be streamlined to ensure convenience and transparency.

However, Dr. Duc noted that the development of medical tourism is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. It also involves various other ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Public Security. Therefore, the ministry will propose a comprehensive national plan to the government, requiring multi-sectoral collaboration for successful implementation.

Vo Thu