Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Ai Nhung in the laboratory

The journey to prolong life.

Among the inspiring stories, the organ transplantation journey at Hue Central Hospital stands out. From its first kidney transplant in 2001 to the present, the hospital has performed over 2,400 organ transplants, including 29 cross-Vietnam transplants that set records for coordination, transportation, and rapid recovery. Notably, in just 48 hours in April 2024, the hospital set three records: performing four allogeneic kidney transplants and one autologous transplant; the first cross-Vietnam triple transplant of heart, liver, and kidney; and the longest organ transport time while still achieving success.

Professor Pham Nhu Hiep, Director of Hue Central Hospital, shared: “Each successful transplant is not only a medical achievement but also a profound humanitarian value, continuing life through the noble act of organ donation. This is what motivates us to continuously innovate, train, and expand cooperation to bring more patients a chance to live.”

According to Professor Pham Nhu Hiep, the Organ Transplantation and Coordination Center, established in August 2019, has become a "strategic pillar" for organ transplantation activities at Hue Central Hospital. This center ensures a closed, synchronized, and internationally standardized process of organ donation, reception, and post-transplant care; it also builds an online database connected to the National Coordination Center. Furthermore, it trains hundreds of doctors and medical professionals, transfers technology to many hospitals nationwide, and expands international cooperation to continuously update with new advancements.

Beyond just kidney transplantation, Hue Central Hospital has affirmed its pioneering role in many complex techniques. To date, the hospital has successfully performed 19 heart transplants, the highest number of cross-Vietnam heart transplants in the country. The hospital has also carried out numerous liver transplants, notably a transplant for a 15-month-old child, the youngest patient in Vietnam.

Recently, the hospital achieved another milestone by successfully performing the first blood group incompatible stem cell transplant in Vietnam. This immunological fusion technique offers hope for patients with hematological diseases. This method optimizes stem cell quality, improves transplant success rates, and is particularly beneficial for pediatric patients with thalassemia.

Alongside advanced technology, Hue's healthcare sector prioritizes community health care. The emulation movements such as "The healthcare sector improves the quality of medical examination and treatment, serving the people," "Building friendly, smoke-free hospitals," and "Competing to control epidemics and protect community health" have spread widely. To date, the percentage of the population participating in health insurance has reached 99.3%; 100% of communes and wards meet national standards for healthcare; the number of hospital beds and doctors per 10,000 people exceeds the standard; and healthcare services are developed in conjunction with tourism, along with policies to attract healthcare personnel.

With modern investments in specialized facilities, testing centers, and university hospitals, Hue has affirmed its role as a leading center for specialized medical care in the country.

Hue Central Hospital is the first institution in Vietnam to successfully perform an allogeneic bone marrow transplant for a child with thalassemia. Photo: T. Hien

Driving forces behind smart city development.

Beyond healthcare, the fields of science, technology, and innovation are also making a significant impact. Hue University and its member institutes and schools have become major training centers, providing high-quality human resources for the region and the entire country.

The Institute for Research and Application of Science and Technology, Hue University of Science, was established in 2021. The Institute has built a modern laboratory system and a pilot production area, creating a space for students and researchers to participate in research and product development. From the research conducted in the laboratories, many scientific and technological products from Hue University have been quickly applied to daily life. Essential oils, herbal teas, biological preparations in agriculture, and health care products not only help improve community life but also open up new avenues for local businesses.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Ai Nhung, Deputy Director and Director of the Center for Research, Production and Technology Transfer, Institute of Science and Technology Research and Application, stated: “Education must be linked to research, and research must aim at solving practical problems.” Based on this philosophy, her research group has published over 150 articles domestically and internationally, including 66 works in prestigious international journals, along with 3 patents for useful solutions.

These efforts have also been recognized with numerous prestigious awards: the Asian Innovation Award 2024, L'Oréal - UNESCO 2023, the Hue Ancient Capital Women's Innovation Award 2024… All of these affirm the intelligence, capabilities, and scientific standing of Hue on the international map.

In terms of digital transformation, Hue has consistently ranked among the top in the country, holding the top 5 position nationwide for many years in the digital transformation index. The Hue-S smart city platform has become a prime example, helping citizens access public services quickly and conveniently; it also serves as the "backbone" for data integration and the completion of the e-government platform.

By the end of 2024, Hue-S had attracted over 1.3 million registered accounts, with hundreds of thousands of downloads recorded in Hue alone, averaging tens of millions of visits annually. The system connects with many provinces and cities nationwide and over 80 countries, integrating dozens of diverse services: from submitting applications, checking results, reporting incidents, cashless payments, health and education information, transportation and disaster warnings, to tourism utilities and digital maps… As a result, officials, civil servants, citizens, businesses, and tourists can all access information and handle their affairs more conveniently on a single platform.

Furthermore, the city has over 7,000 workers in the digital technology sector, and many local specialty products have been protected by intellectual property rights. Projects such as the National Biotechnology Center for the Central Region and the Central Coastal Nature Museum are being implemented, opening up opportunities to make Hue a center of science, technology, and innovation in the region.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Ai Nhung engages in academic discussions on topics, projects, and scientific research activities with foreign experts.

Determination on this new journey

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, Standing Vice Chairman of the Hue City People's Committee, emphasized: “The city is entering a new phase of development with many opportunities and challenges. The fields of healthcare, science and technology, and digital transformation not only contribute to improving the quality of life for the people but also serve as key drivers to affirm Hue's position on the national and international map. We need to continue investing in and developing high-quality human resources, expanding international cooperation, and nurturing the aspiration for innovation in every doctor, scientist, and business.”

Looking back over the past period, the patriotic emulation movement has awakened the spirit of dedication and creativity in each collective and individual. The success of each organ transplant, each research project, each digital utility serving the people… are all proof of the aspiration to serve, the result of creative emulation and wholeheartedly contributing to the community.

Looking ahead, with a vision to build a sustainably developed Hue city, these milestones will continue to be built upon. Healthcare, science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation will be important pillars, alongside other fields, to continue writing the story of a Hue that is not only beautiful in its cultural depth but also a pioneer in knowledge and technology.

TUAN KHOA

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/chinh-polit-xa-hoi/theo-dong-thoi-su/dau-an-tien-phong-tu-hue-158157.html