Vietnam's Ministry of Health is moving to restructure local health stations, aiming to enhance grassroots services and attract private sector investment for long-term sustainability.
At a National Assembly session on the morning of November 25, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan announced that one of the government’s top priorities is to restructure healthcare units at the commune level. The Ministry has issued updated guidelines redefining the functions and responsibilities of these grassroots clinics, aiming to elevate their role as key providers of primary care.
Speaking during a group discussion on the investment plan for two national target programs for the 2026–2035 period, Minister Lan addressed core issues the Ministry is currently focusing on, from reorganizing local health systems to resolving roadblocks that deter private investment in healthcare.
Push to attract private sector investment
Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan speaks at the National Assembly on November 25. Photo: National Assembly
Minister Lan emphasized that the proposed national target program on healthcare, population, and development for 2026–2035 was developed under unique circumstances. With the national administrative structure being reorganized from 63 to 34 provinces and municipalities, the Ministry had to reinitiate consultations and conduct multiple rounds of discussions with localities to ensure that the investment proposals align with the current landscape.
Lan stressed that feasibility has been a consistent requirement throughout the planning process. Each locality was asked to clearly define its investment needs based on the new administrative boundaries, population size, and actual conditions. “All figures included in the program are based on real data and reflect the practical needs of each locality,” she said.
Among the top priorities is the restructuring of healthcare models at the grassroots level. The Ministry of Health has issued new mandates for commune health stations, which now play a more robust role as the first point of contact for public healthcare.
Out of five major project groups under the national health program, enhancing the primary healthcare network is the central pillar. The Ministry has carefully compiled input from local governments, including plans to build over 700 new health stations and renovate or upgrade more than 1,000 existing ones. The program will also focus on population issues, such as encouraging families to have two children, adapting to an aging population, and improving elderly care services.
Emphasis on training family doctors
On the topic of human resources, many lawmakers raised concerns about the training of family doctors. Minister Lan said that such training is essential for the new model of commune health stations. These clinics must not only provide basic medical treatment but also manage the health of local residents. Therefore, family doctor training will be prioritized, with an emphasis on practical skills for frontline healthcare workers.
Commenting on private sector development in healthcare, the Minister highlighted that Resolution 20 stipulates that private hospitals should account for 15% of the total hospital beds nationwide. However, current figures show they only make up about half of that target. While major private hospitals and provincial-level facilities have seen significant growth, the lack of “clean land” remains a key obstacle.
“The Private Hospital Association has stated that if clean land is made available and planning is adjusted accordingly, they have the capacity to invest,” said Minister Lan.
She expressed optimism that Resolution 72, along with special policy frameworks, would unlock bottlenecks and serve as a catalyst for attracting private investment into healthcare.
Vietnam aims to draw foreign patients
Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh at the National Assembly. Photo: National Assembly
In the same discussion, Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh underscored a longstanding problem across several government terms: “While policies are often sound, implementation falls short,” resulting in many policies failing to come to life. The Politburo is now determined to address this issue decisively.
Binh attributed the delays to the lack of legal frameworks, inadequate resource allocation, and the failure to tackle pressing issues. To address this, immediately after the Politburo issued two key resolutions on healthcare and education, the government was directed to develop national target programs to present to the National Assembly. These programs aim to secure funding and focus on major policy directions and large-scale projects.
Regarding the healthcare sector, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized a strategic pivot. Previously, the system prioritized specialized and complex treatments. Now, the focus is shifting toward health promotion, preventive care, and early disease detection. This aligns with the Ministry of Health’s plan to strengthen family medicine and primary care.
Furthermore, the new health resolution and program aim to position Vietnam as a global destination for treating specific illnesses, promoting health tourism, and developing services for elderly care and rehabilitation.
Also on the morning of November 25, Minister Dao Hong Lan submitted a formal proposal to the National Assembly to approve the investment guidelines for the national target program on healthcare, population, and development for the 2026–2035 period. The proposal includes a total investment of more than 125 trillion VND (approximately USD 5.1 billion).
Vietnamnet.vn
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