
Vietnam's healthcare system is a mix of public and private hospitals, with 1,161 public hospitals and 185 private hospitals as of 2016. The quality of healthcare in Vietnam varies between rural and urban areas, with larger cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh offering the best medical care. While public hospitals in Vietnam are underfunded and face challenges such as long waiting times and inadequate equipment, private hospitals are more equipped and efficient, catering specifically to expats and foreigners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of hospitals | 1,346 |
| Number of public hospitals | 1,161 |
| Number of private hospitals | 185 |
| Number of central-level public hospitals | 47 |
| Number of provincial-level public hospitals | 419 |
| Number of district-level public hospitals | 684 |
| Number of internationally accredited hospitals | 2 |
| Number of Vinmec Health Care System hospitals | 4 |
| Number of Vinmec Health Care System outpatient clinics | 2 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

As of 2016, there were 1,346 hospitals in Vietnam
Public hospitals in Vietnam are divided into three levels: central, provincial, and district. Central hospitals, numbering 47, play a crucial role in providing advanced healthcare services to the entire country. Provincial-level hospitals, with 419 facilities, serve specific provinces and offer more specialized care. The majority of public hospitals fall under the district level, with 684 hospitals providing essential healthcare services to local communities.
The Vietnamese government is actively working to improve healthcare access and efficiency. They have implemented autonomous functioning for public hospitals, freeing them from direct budget subsidy dependence. Additionally, the government plans to increase investment in grassroots healthcare to reduce overcrowding in central and tertiary hospitals and improve integration across the system.
While Vietnam has made significant strides in healthcare, challenges remain. Hospitals, particularly public ones, face issues with outdated equipment, chronic overcrowding, and a shortage of qualified medical staff. The Ministry of Health estimates that around 40,000 Vietnamese citizens spend about USD 2 billion annually on seeking medical services abroad. However, with continued development and investment, Vietnam is working towards achieving universal healthcare coverage and enhancing the quality of its healthcare system.
Where is Alec Now? A Shriners Hospital Update
You may want to see also
Explore related products

1,161 public and 185 private hospitals
As of 2016, there were 1,161 public hospitals and 185 private hospitals in Vietnam, totalling 1,346 hospitals. The country's healthcare system is a mix of public and private services, with public hospitals playing a substantial role in providing healthcare to the people. Public hospitals are key drivers of efficiency and healthcare cost escalation, and they are divided into three levels: central, provincial, and district. Central hospitals number 47, provincial hospitals number 419, and district hospitals number 684.
While public hospitals in Vietnam are essential, they face challenges such as weak management, long waiting periods, poor quality, and low patient satisfaction. They are often underfunded and inadequately equipped, with outdated medical equipment. Public hospitals in rural areas may have limited or no access to healthcare, and staff may only speak Vietnamese.
Private hospitals in Vietnam, on the other hand, are known for their high quality and are more likely to cater to the needs of expats. They are more expensive but may be covered by insurance. Many private hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have doctors and medical professionals trained overseas, often in the US, Korea, Japan, and France, making them more likely to speak English or French.
The Vietnamese government is working to improve healthcare by intensifying investment in grassroots healthcare systems to reduce overcrowding in central and tertiary hospitals and promote service integration. Additionally, the country is developing a universal healthcare system, with about 80% of citizens currently covered.
The Emergency Department: A Hospital's Frontline
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Two internationally accredited general hospitals
As of 2016, there were a total of 1,346 hospitals in Vietnam, with 1,161 public hospitals and 185 private hospitals. The public-private mix in Vietnam's hospital system sees public hospitals play a substantial role in providing healthcare services to the people.
The other internationally accredited hospital is FV Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. FV Hospital is 100% foreign-owned and was the first in Vietnam to receive JCI accreditation. The hospital offers premium healthcare services with over 30 specialties, including the Hope Cancer Centre, Cardiology, Bone & Joint Centre, and Ophthalmology. Both Vinmec and FV Hospital have English-speaking staff and offer full medical and surgical services.
While the best medical care in Vietnam is available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, smaller towns and cities like Da Nang also have well-regarded clinics that can treat most medical concerns. For serious medical concerns, it is recommended to head to a private hospital in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Launching a Hospital in Iraq: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$136.22 $28.99
$85.89 $99.99
$44.99 $79.99

Public hospitals are underfunded and inadequately equipped
Vietnam's healthcare system is chronically underfunded, particularly in the majority public sector. The total budget for health falls below the expenditure required to meet the sector's needs, resulting in a shortage of medical supplies and equipment, inadequate incentives for healthcare workers, and restricted research and development. This underfunding has also led to high fees, which pose a significant challenge for many Vietnamese citizens, especially low-income families who may experience delayed or inadequate care as a result.
Public hospitals in Vietnam are often underfunded and inadequately equipped, with outdated facilities and a shortage of qualified medical staff. The existing medical equipment in these hospitals is often obsolete and in need of replacement, and many hospitals lack sufficient equipment for surgery and intensive care units. The heavy reliance on state funding to upgrade facilities, equipment, and services has resulted in limited resources for public hospitals, hindering their ability to provide efficient and effective healthcare services.
The government has recognized the need to strengthen the financial and management aspects of public hospitals and is committed to investing in grassroots healthcare to reduce overcrowding in central and tertiary hospitals. Large amounts of public funds have been allocated for hospital upgrades, and Vietnam has also received international aid in the form of loans and donated medical equipment. Despite these efforts, the public healthcare system continues to face challenges in meeting the demands for advanced medical devices and infrastructure upgrades.
The inadequacy of technological advancements further exacerbates the issues faced by public hospitals in Vietnam. The healthcare system's reliance on manual, paper-based reporting systems limits its agility and flexibility in integrating data, hindering insights into healthcare outcomes, resource allocation, and patient requirements. This lack of digitization can impact the quality and efficiency of care delivered by public hospitals, contributing to the perception of inadequate equipment and underfunding.
While public hospitals in Vietnam play a substantial role in providing healthcare services to the population, the challenges of underfunding and inadequate equipment persist. These issues have driven the increasing demand for private healthcare among those who can afford it, leaving the public sector to serve those receiving government-subsidized healthcare. The disparity between public and private healthcare has led to a system where accessibility and affordability are not equally distributed, with people on lower incomes and in rural areas facing additional barriers to accessing quality healthcare.
Leapfrog Measures: Hospital Standards and Patient Safety
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Private hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are ideal for expats
Vietnam's healthcare system is a mix of public and private hospitals. The country has 182 private hospitals, most of which are located in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. These cities offer the best medical care in Vietnam, although smaller towns and cities can competently treat most medical concerns.
Hanoi French Hospital, formerly known as Vietnam International Hospital, is a well-known private hospital in Hanoi. It provides a wide range of medical services and has English-speaking staff. Another recommended hospital for expats in Hanoi is the International SOS Clinic, which offers good outpatient medical care.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the Franco-Vietnamese Hospital is a top choice for expats. This hospital has received international accreditation and offers full medical and surgical services. Ho Chi Minh City International Hospital is another highly-ranked international hospital with a capacity of 320 beds and 21 specialties, including general surgery, orthopedics, cardiology intervention, and neurology intervention. This hospital serves a large number of foreigners, with 25% of its patients being non-Vietnamese.
While private hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer excellent care, it is important to note that healthcare costs in Vietnam, especially for private care, can be significantly higher for expats and visitors compared to local residents. Additionally, when travelling to more rural areas of Vietnam, access to healthcare may be limited, and it is recommended to return to these major cities for the level of medical care expats are accustomed to.
Explore Georgia's Extensive Healthcare Network
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
As of 2016, there were a total of 1,346 hospitals in Vietnam, with 1,161 public hospitals and 185 private hospitals.
The quality of healthcare in Vietnam varies. The healthcare system in Vietnam includes both public and private hospitals. Public hospitals are often underfunded and inadequately equipped, and doctors and medical staff at these facilities generally only speak Vietnamese. Private hospitals, on the other hand, offer excellent quality, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with English-speaking doctors and modern equipment.
Expats and foreigners are recommended to seek medical treatment at private hospitals in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City for serious medical concerns. These hospitals are more likely to cater to the needs of expats, with English-speaking doctors and international standards of care.
Yes, there are two internationally accredited general hospitals in Vietnam: Vinmec International Hospital in Hanoi and FV Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Both hospitals offer full medical and surgical services and have English-speaking staff.
The cost of healthcare in Vietnam varies depending on whether you visit a public or private hospital. While public hospitals are more affordable, private hospitals tend to be more expensive but still less expensive than in Western countries. A consultation with a specialist at a private hospital in Vietnam typically costs less than $30.

































![The Hospital [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61oQ2sBPcmL._AC_UY218_.jpg)



