Digital transformation is emerging as a key driver for innovating the operational models of Vietnam's healthcare system. Moving beyond the mere digitization of records, medical charts, and administrative procedures, the sector is gradually shifting toward a data-driven governance model. This transition involves interconnecting healthcare facilities, establishing electronic health records and electronic medical records, implementing telemedicine, and incrementally applying artificial intelligence to medical practice.
Using a descriptive and systematic review approach, we synthesize and generalize key achievements, challenges, and solutions regarding the digital transformation of the healthcare sector in Vietnam during the current period.
In recent years, Vietnam has achieved significant results. However, healthcare digital transformation faces numerous challenges: uneven technological infrastructure; fragmented data; limited data interoperability and standardization; a shortage of skilled digital human resources; difficulties regarding investment and system maintenance costs; escalating information security risks; and a persistent digital divide across regions and population groups. Notably, there is a risk of undergoing digital transformation without genuinely transforming governance and service delivery methods.
This paper analyzes key achievements, identifies challenges, and proposes solutions to build a citizen- and patient-centric digital healthcare ecosystem in Vietnam. This ecosystem is founded on data, enabled by interoperability, guided by safety and security principles, and ultimately aimed at achieving quality, efficiency, and equity in healthcare.