Medical Tourism: A Strategic Direction for the Future

Da Nang has a clean living environment, active tourism and medical services, favorable for developing medical tourism.

Modern health care system is the foundation

According to Ms. Tran Thanh Thuy, Director of the Da Nang Department of Health, the medical tourism development plan is a combination of the two key sectors of the locality: health and tourism. The goal is not only to improve the quality of health care services but also to create added value for the city's tourism industry.

“Medical tourism is not just a trend, but a sustainable direction, bringing economic and social benefits and enhancing the image of Da Nang on the international tourism map,” Ms. Thuy emphasized.

The idea of ​​developing medical tourism was mentioned by the local government and the Da Nang Health Department more than 10 years ago. At that time, the Da Nang Oncology Hospital proactively connected with Japanese partners to cooperate in the field of chronic disease treatment, especially cancer.

Japanese experts have suggested that Da Nang should invest in modern equipment to serve the medical examination and nursing needs of the Japanese elderly - a group of customers with high spending potential, requiring long-term vacation space and quality medical services.

Over time, the Da Nang health sector has gradually improved the quality of medical examination and treatment and gradually approached international standards. Some medical facilities such as Hospital 199 (Ministry of Public Security), Thien Nhan health system, Traditional Medicine Hospital, or infertility treatment centers, dental - maxillofacial ... have received and served many international visitors for examination and treatment.

According to preliminary statistics, services such as general health check-ups, rehabilitation, traditional medicine treatment, cosmetic surgery, infertility treatment, etc. are of interest to international tourists and overseas Vietnamese.

In particular, tourist groups from Japan, Korea and Europe appreciate the fresh living environment, quality services and reasonable costs in Da Nang.

To realize the roadmap for developing medical tourism, Da Nang City clearly identifies specific milestones. By 2025, 100% of tourist areas and spots in the area must be connected to the medical network, while deploying a digital technology platform to integrate medical information and support tourists.

By the end of 2026, at least 5 medical service packages combined with tourism will be developed and 80% of tourist destinations will have staff trained in basic medical skills.

From 2027, the city aims to complete a system for managing medical examination and treatment appointments through digital technology applications. This system will help visitors easily access information, register for services, and make appointments online. By 2030, Da Nang will have at least 2 medical facilities that meet international standards in terms of professional capacity and service quality.

Expecting an effective direction

" We believe that, with a clear roadmap, the joint efforts of sectors and social resources, Da Nang medical tourism will soon achieve positive results, affirming its brand on the international tourism map" - Mr. Tran Chi Cuong, Vice Chairman of Da Nang City People's Committee said.

Mr. Tran Chi Cuong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Da Nang City, stated that to develop medical tourism effectively, close and synchronous coordination is needed between state management agencies, hospitals, medical facilities, travel companies, accommodation units as well as related organizations.

According to Mr. Cuong, the conference to announce the Medical Tourism Development Plan was held with the participation of representatives from many sectors, aiming to create consensus and unity in implementation.

Through the Conference, units will share experiences, propose solutions and sign cooperation programs to ensure smooth connection between medical and tourism services.

One of the top priorities today is to train human resources to meet the requirements of medical tourism. Medical staff need to be equipped with foreign language communication skills and tourism knowledge to be able to advise and support tourists better.

On the contrary, tour guides, hotel staff, and accommodation facilities also need to be trained in basic knowledge of health care, first aid, emergency medical support, etc.

Ms. Tran Thanh Thuy added that the health sector will soon reassess the comprehensive capacity of the health system in the area, from ward and commune levels to central hospitals. Service models such as combined treatment and convalescence, elderly care, post-treatment rehabilitation care, etc. will be encouraged for investment.

In addition, the locality will promote communication and promote the image of Da Nang medical tourism on international media channels, social networks as well as through the system of embassies, consulates and medical tourism fairs.

The synchronous implementation of the medical tourism development plan is a great opportunity for Da Nang to affirm its role as a regional medical - tourism center. This direction is also consistent with the shifting trend after the Covid-19 pandemic, when more and more people are interested in health care, long-term vacations, combining tourism with medical examination and treatment.

With a green - clean - beautiful living environment, convenient transportation system, highly skilled medical staff and strong investment from the government, medical tourism in Da Nang is facing the opportunity to break through.

If implemented in the right direction and effectively, this model will not only create more economic value for the city, but also contribute to improving people's quality of life and forming a new service industry that is humane and sustainable.

Source: Culture Newspaper

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/du-lich-y-te-huong-di-chien-luoc-cho-tuong-lai-202505121453341.htm