Hanoi, 29 May 2025: A delegation from ERIA’s Healthcare Unit met with H.E. Prof. Thuan Tran Van, Vice Minister of Health of Viet Nam, to discuss healthcare policy priorities and opportunities for collaboration.

The meeting brought together officials from several departments of the Ministry of Health, including the Viet Nam Population Authority, Medical Services Administration (MSA), Administration of Science, Technology and Training, and the International Cooperation Department. Representatives from Hanoi Medical University, Bach Mai Hospital, and K-Hospital also participated.

Dr Manami Uechi, Director of Healthcare Services at ERIA, introduced the institute’s Healthcare Unit and its workstreams. Dr Sarah Krull Abe, Manager for Healthcare Services, presented an overview of the Medical Excellence in Asia (MEiA) initiative, highlighting ERIA’s commitment to strengthening regional health systems.

Vietnamese stakeholders shared perspectives on national healthcare priorities, particularly the dual challenges of an ageing population and declining fertility rates. The discussion also addressed the importance of expanding regular health screenings, enhancing diagnostic frameworks to identify at-risk populations, and delivering inclusive care through grassroots approaches and evidence-based policy guidance.

Additional topics included the need for workforce development, international partnerships, and strengthening clinical research to raise the quality of care. Participants voiced interest in technical support for diagnostics, capacity building, and medical education.

Vice Minister Thuan expressed appreciation for ERIA’s ongoing support and emphasised the need for continued engagement, particularly in post-2025 policy formulation, training to address ageing-related challenges, and the practical implementation of healthcare strategies. He welcomed further in-depth discussions on focus areas aligned with Viet Nam’s long-term health objectives.