Vietnam’s health system is in the middle of major reform. By 2025–2030, the country aims for a modern, regionalized, digital-first hospital network built on four tiers: national/central hospitals, provincial hospitals, district hospitals, and community/commune health stations. Over 1,000 hospitals across the country deliver public universal coverage—including advanced surgery, prevention, trauma, and maternal/child care—side-by-side with a fast-rising private sector for elective, international, and luxury care.
Start your journey with:
The Four-Tiered Hospital Structure
1. Central (National) Hospitals
- Location: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and select core cities.
- Role: Handle the most complex cases (organ transplants, cancer treatment, trauma, rare disease, pediatrics, and advanced diagnostics).
- Examples: Bach Mai Hospital, Viet Duc Hospital, National Hospital of Pediatrics, Cho Ray Hospital, K Hospital (cancer), 108 Military Central Hospital.
- Features: Highest level of specialty, teaching, clinical trials, and research—destination for referrals from lower tiers.
2. Provincial Hospitals
- Cover each province and major city; serve as main hospitals for major surgeries, trauma, ICU, and chronic care.
- Often upgraded to international standards, with digital health records and specialized pandemic/critical care units.
- Serve as regional referral hubs, reducing overcrowding at central hospitals through “satellite” support programs.
3. District Hospitals
- Provide basic emergency, maternity, internal medicine, and minor surgery for local residents.
- Serve as the hub for patient referrals from community clinics in the district.
- Can now access remote consults and e-health support thanks to the digital transformation policy.
4. Commune Health Stations
- Community-level first stop for primary care, vaccines, minor illnesses, chronic disease checks, and maternal/child services.
- Linked digitally to the district/provincial system for rapid escalation and mobile health solutions.
Modernization, Reform & Digital Strategy
- 2025–2030 Hospital Network Plan: National reforms promote enhanced infrastructure, digital health records, AI-driven diagnostics, and standardized care at every tier.
- Smart Hospitals: Rapid digitalization—EHRs, appointment apps, online payment, AI, and telemedicine expanding to 100% of hospitals by 2030.
- Decentralization & Autonomy: District and provincial hospitals gain more operational and financial independence to respond to local needs.
- Private Sector Growth: 15% of hospital beds by 2030 will be in the private sector, already popular with expats and for elective/luxury care.
- Quality Targets: By 2025, at least 33 beds, 19 doctors, 4 pharmacists, and 33 nurses per 10,000 people nationwide.
Patient Journey: How To Navigate the System
Step 1: Choosing & Accessing Care
- For minor issues, visit your commune health station or district hospital.
- For serious cases, trauma, or elective specialty care: use Hospitals in Vietnam category to identify the best provincial or central hospital.
- Urban expats or medical tourists may opt for private international clinics for English-speaking staff and rapid elective service.
Step 2: Booking, Referrals, and Admission
- Bring national ID or health insurance card.
- Most hospitals now offer digital e-referral, appointment booking, and queue numbers online.
- Expect referral up the system for complex cases—digital patient records mean no lost files.
Step 3: Inpatient & Surgical Experience
- Admissions involve triage, doctor/nurse consultation, ward assignment, and diagnostic review.
- Bring essentials: ID, medical reports, medication/allergy list, and funds for out-of-pocket costs (if any).
- Use hospital apps or portals for real-time results, scheduling, and aftercare instructions.
Step 4: Follow-up, Aftercare & Digital Support
- Book follow-ups, specialist consults, and telehealth via digital platforms.
- Most urban/provincial hospitals now release results and discharge summaries online; community nurses often assist rural patients with digital access.
- For complex/chronic cases, transfer of care is seamless via EHR and coordinated between hospital tiers.
Major Hospitals & Providers at a Glance
| Facility | City | Level | Specialties | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bach Mai Hospital | Hanoi | Central | Trauma, neuro, cardio, ICU, cancer | Largest, all specialties |
| Cho Ray Hospital | Ho Chi Minh City | Central | Surgery, transplants, trauma | Regional flagship |
| Viet Duc Hospital | Hanoi | Central | Surgery, trauma, orthopedics | Top trauma/surgery |
| K Hospital | Hanoi | Central | Oncology, cancer, research | Cancer leader |
| Hue Central Hospital | Hue | Central | Surgery, burns, ICU, cancer care | Serves central Vietnam |
| FV Hospital | HCMC | Private | Multi-specialty, expat care | JCI-accredited, English-speaking |
| Hanh Phuc Hospital | Binh Duong, HCMC | Private | Maternity, women’s/children | International packages |
| Family Medical Practice | Hanoi/HCMC/Danang | Private | Expat & general, urgent care | Western-style clinics |
Specialties, Access, and Practical Tips
- Emergency & Trauma: Central and provincial hospitals are equipped for most traumas; major city hospitals handle the most critical/complex cases.
- Surgery & Oncology: National and regional cancer centers, organ transplant hubs, plastic/cosmetic and elective surgery available at private and specialty hospitals, especially in major cities.
- Maternal/Child Services: Vietnam has one of the most advanced maternal health programs in the region—hospital birth is nearly universal, with integrated NICUs at all central/provincial hospitals.
- Digital Health: Use mobile apps for appointments, lab/test results, telemedicine in urban areas; rural areas benefit from satellite network expansion.
Patient Voices
- “Getting surgery at Bach Mai hospital was organized—they coordinated everything digitally with my hometown clinic for aftercare.”
- “As an expat, I used Family Medical Practice for fast, English-language service and referral to FV Hospital for minor surgery.”
- “After an accident in the countryside, my hospital transfer and follow-up care in the city was all tracked by my digital health record—impressive and reassuring.”
Essential Hospital Visit Checklist
- ☐ ID/insurance card, digital appointment confirmation
- ☐ Medical records, medication list, family contacts
- ☐ Money for co-pay/supplies (some items not covered for non-citizens or foreigners)
- ☐ Ask for interpreter support if needed (central/provincial/private hospitals)
- ☐ Digital health or hospital app installed (if available)
- ☐ Pre-plan aftercare and follow-up appointments, emergency contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public hospital care free?
Yes, for insured citizens. Some private hospitals and expat clinics are self-pay/out-of-network for locals and foreigners.
Can expats and travelers use Vietnamese hospitals?
Yes—public and private hospitals are available; private hospitals often cater specifically to expats and medical tourists.
Are digital tools widely available?
Yes, at all upper-tier hospitals in major cities; rapid expansion underway in rural and district facilities.
How’s the quality of care?
Central hospitals and top private hospitals provide care at international standards; quality varies by region and facility level, but reforms are improving every tier.
Using MyHospitalNow for Vietnam
- Use Hospitals in Vietnam category to compare city, region, specialty, and patient rating details—plus digital access, expat reviews, and urgent care tips.
- Download checklists and guides for pre-op, admission, aftercare, and medical travel.
- Find and filter hospitals for your unique needs, preferences, and location.
Start Your Vietnam Hospital Journey
From major surgery and trauma to digital checkups, maternal care, or advanced cancer treatment, Vietnam’s hospital system is regional, rapidly modernizing, and increasingly accessible to all. MyHospitalNow is your trusted partner for every stage—compare, plan, and thrive.
- Start on the homepage
- Visit the Hospitals in Vietnam category for every specialty, provider, and city
Plan your next step with confidence—MyHospitalNow is Vietnam’s trusted guide for modern hospital care.