Vietnam’s Healthcare Sector on the Verge of a Breakthrough: Expectations for Digital Transformation
Southern Region Hospital Directors Conference discusses AI and KPI Governance
At the 23rd Annual Scientific Conference of the Southern Region Hospital Directors Club, delegates focused their discussions on digital transformation, the application of technology in hospital management, and professional support. This Club, established in 2000 under the Ministry of Health’s direction, comprises health units from provinces and cities in the Southern region. The 2025 Conference took place over two days, November 27 and 28.
Associate Professor, PhD, MD. Nguyễn Tri Thức, Deputy Minister of Health, emphasized that digital transformation and technology application are considered the “gateway” for the health sector to enter the digital era. He affirmed that high technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are key for Vietnam’s health sector to achieve a breakthrough. His remarks came as the 15th National Assembly session in Hanoi prepared to pass several laws, including the Law on Digital Transformation and amendments to the Law on High Technology. He also noted that Vietnam is the first country to pass a Law on AI.
Ms. Nguyễn Thị Minh Thúy, Vice Chairwoman of the An Giang Provincial People’s Committee, agreed that the health sector must lead in applying new technologies to protect and care for public health. She expressed hope that the event would provide valuable learning opportunities for An Giang province regarding advanced management models.
PhD, MD. Hà Anh Đức, Director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management – Ministry of Health, presented on the application of KPI (Key Performance Indicators) in healthcare, which is regarded as the “gold standard” in modern hospital administration. He stated that KPI is a governance tool that helps hospitals quantify operational efficiency, replacing subjective evaluations with concrete data, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement toward international standards. The Ministry of Health plans to soon develop and apply KPI across the medical examination and treatment system to build a quality, effective, and sustainable healthcare system, aligning with Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW.
During the Conference, MD. Level II Specialist Phạm Thanh Việt, Deputy Director of Administration and Operations at Chợ Rẫy Hospital, shared the successful experience of implementing electronic health records. He highlighted that the key to success was collective understanding and consensus, not merely the software. Adopting electronic records improves resource efficiency, reduces administrative workload for staff, and enhances patient care quality.
The Southern Region Hospital Directors Club regularly organizes its annual scientific conference, providing hospital managers with opportunities to update on new policies and exchange management experiences.
