10:56:19 AM | 8/6/2025
More than 1,000 Bac Ninh residents received free medical check-ups and health screenings during the launch ceremony of the program “Health Equity – For a Healthier Vietnam 2025”. The event is a part of the implementation of the Bac Ninh Smart Healthcare Development Plan 2021–2030, co-organized by the Ministry of Health, the Vietnam Young Physicians Association, the Bac Ninh Provincial People’s Committee, AstraZeneca Vietnam, and other partners.
Smart healthcare, also referred to as digital health, demonstrates the Vietnamese health sector’s strong commitment to leveraging information and communication technologies to enhance the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of healthcare services. The goal is to establish a modern, connected, and intelligent healthcare system that reduces errors, saves time, and lowers costs for both patients and healthcare providers.
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Tran Van Thuan, emphasized that the participation of stakeholders and the public at the ceremony signals a strategic shift in Vietnam’s healthcare approach: from treatment to prevention, from passive to proactive care, from fragmented services to integrated, smart healthcare centered around the citizens.
Especially, he highlighted that this direction aligns with the heartfelt guidance of General Secretary Tô Lâm: "strive for every citizen to have a health check-up at least once a year”. This is not only a professional standard, but also a deeply humanistic reminder that public health must begin early and no one should be left behind.
Bac Ninh – a starting point for expanding Health Equity and smart healthcare models
This program marks an important milestone affirming Bac Ninh’s pioneering role in implementing the Bac Ninh Smart Healthcare Development Plan with a focus on Community Health for the 2021–2030 Period. Bac Ninh is expected to serve as a solid starting point for the continued expansion of the Health Equity Program and smart healthcare models to other localities across the country in the near future. The project aims to accelerate digital transformation in public healthcare and promote equitable access to advanced medical services, especially at the grassroots level where people need them most. In partnership with AstraZeneca, the project will implement several key components, including:
At this event, more than 1,000 residents of Bac Ninh received free medical check-ups, non-communicable disease (NCD) screenings, and personalized consultations on treatment and health care. Notably, local healthcare professionals were trained in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) for disease screening and management, marking a significant step forward in the digital transformation of grassroots healthcare.
The program is part of a broader series of community health initiatives led by the Ministry of Health, supported by AstraZeneca Vietnam, the Department of Medical Services Administration, and the Vietnam Young Physicians Association. Key initiatives include:
Multisector collaboration for develop Health Equity for the community
In pursuit of a comprehensive and equitable healthcare system for all citizens, Vietnam is making steady strides toward innovation, guided by the Ministry of Health. In line with the directives of the General Secretary on breakthroughs in science, technology, and national digital transformation, the healthcare sector is striving to realize a bold vision: ensuring that every citizen receives regular health check-ups for early detection, timely intervention, and effective disease prevention. A core principle underpinning this effort is equitable access - narrowing the healthcare gap and modernizing primary healthcare services through digital transformation. The goal is to ensure that all people, whether in urban or rural areas, can access essential, timely, humane, and equitable healthcare services. In particular, the development of intelligent provincial-level healthcare networks - with electronic health records, telemedicine, and AI support - is opening the door to a future of predictive, data-driven healthcare for the benefit of public health.
Such human-centered and nationally significant objectives would not be possible without the joint efforts and support of organizations across all sectors of society. It is precisely this multisector collaboration, among government, healthcare institutions, businesses, civil society organizations, and the community, that is creating a synergistic force, delivering tangible and meaningful benefits to the population. The smart, integrated healthcare model, built on cutting-edge technologies from leading global pharmaceutical corporations, not only helps optimize medical procedures but also improves resource management and allocation. Most importantly, it brings healthcare services closer to each individual.
Impressed by the commitment of the Ministry of Health, the Vietnam Young Physician Association, Bac Ninh provincial leadership, and program partners, AstraZeneca’s leadership affirmed the company’s continued dedication to supporting Vietnam’s healthcare transformation. As one of the world’s leading innovative pharmaceutical companies with a long-standing legacy of scientific advancement, AstraZeneca is not only focused on delivering breakthrough therapies but also deeply committed to strengthening healthcare system capacity and driving transformation toward a sustainable future for people, society, and the planet.
“Through digital transformation and AI-powered solutions, we are building an integrated healthcare ecosystem where patients - regardless of their circumstances or location - can access timely diagnoses and advanced treatment. I believe this initiative can become a model for other provinces in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia, demonstrating how public-private partnerships can deliver sustainable, scalable healthcare solutions that can create positive changes in people’s lives,” said Mr. Atul Tandon, General Director of AstraZeneca Vietnam.
Recognizing the program’s high potential to generate meaningful impact for both communities and society at large, Mr. Tandon expressed his pride in AstraZeneca's more than 30-year commitment to Vietnam, emphasizing the company's role as a dedicated, long-term partner standing alongside the Vietnamese people and healthcare system in building a healthier, more prosperous future for all.
Source: Vietnam Business Forum
Vietnamese
