The 'key' to implementing Vietnam's healthcare development strategy

(Chinhphu.vn) - Artificial intelligence (AI) is being identified as a breakthrough tool and key, deeply linked to policy orientation, helping to accelerate the implementation of advanced medical solutions in Vietnam.

Overview of the event - Photo: VGP/HM

AI shortens drug discovery process from 5-6 years to 1 year

Discussing the strategic pillars of institutions, infrastructure and human resources to shape the future of Vietnam's healthcare at the forum "Innovation and digital transformation to promote comprehensive and sustainable healthcare, meeting Vietnam's development requirements in the new era", held on June 6, many delegates emphasized two topics, namely research and development, creating breakthroughs in people's healthcare; towards a sustainable and equitable healthcare system.

The forum was jointly organized by Pharma Group and FPT Technology Group. Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long attended and spoke at the forum.

Both topics emphasized at the forum are closely linked to Vietnam's policy orientation, especially Resolution 57-NQ/TW. In which, AI is identified as a tool, a key breakthrough, closely linked to policy orientation, helping to accelerate the implementation of advanced medical solutions in Vietnam.

According to statistics presented at the forum, up to 80% of pharmaceutical and life sciences professionals are using AI for drug discovery, and 95% of pharmaceutical companies are investing in AI capabilities.

AI technology is helping pharmaceutical companies shorten the drug discovery process from 5-6 years to just 1 year. AI applications have the potential to create an annual value of $350 billion to $410 billion for pharmaceutical companies by 2025. Using AI in clinical trials can also help save 70% of the cost per trial and shorten the time to conduct it by 80%.

As a large technology enterprise participating in the medical field, Mr. Truong Gia Binh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of FPT Corporation, said that in the field of medical innovation, Vietnam can become a center for clinical trials and production of new drugs based on AI.

"We have one million IT engineers, aiming for 500,000 workers with AI knowledge and skills - that is human power. Regarding public-private cooperation, we need to connect hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, doctors, pharmacists on a common data platform and train a workforce that is both good at IT and understands medicine. At that time, we will be among the world's leading countries in the pharmaceutical field," the leader of FPT Group shared.

Discussion session within the framework of the forum - Photo: VGP/HM

3 core messages

Within the framework of the forum, at the discussion session "From vision to implementation - identifying core and key factors to realize the goals in Resolution 57-NQ/TW and the national goal of breakthrough in people's health care, meeting the requirements of national development in the new era", delegates also mentioned 3 core messages throughout.

First, technology, especially AI and big data, is a strategic lever to create a leap forward in healthcare. AI not only helps shorten the time to research and test new drugs, but also opens up the possibility of personalized treatment and developing remote medical examination and treatment models.

Second, the legal and institutional framework needs to be strongly reformed to keep up with the pace of technological development. Speakers said that Vietnam can completely “take a shortcut” if it shortens the approval process, simplifies procedures and builds a flexible legal corridor, creating conditions for sharing and exploiting medical data safely.

Third, public-private partnerships are key. Connecting technology companies, hospitals, research institutes, and startups will help create a sustainable innovation ecosystem.

Hien Minh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/chia-khoa-de-trien-khai-chien-luoc-phat-trien-y-te-viet-nam-102250606170514433.htm