Promoting Vietnam-Sweden cooperation in the healthcare sector.

On December 11th, the Sweden-Vietnam Healthcare Innovation Workshop took place in Hanoi, bringing together policymakers, hospital leaders, researchers, and experts to promote Vietnam's transformation towards a sustainable, digitalized, and preventive healthcare system.

Attending the workshop were Mr. Johan Ndisi, Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam; Ms. Pham Thi Minh Chau, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Health ; Swedish academic and business partners such as the Karolinska Institute, Sophiahemmet University, AstraZeneca, Ericsson and Getinge, along with directors of Vietnamese hospitals, many researchers and agencies responsible for digital health.

This event is a key activity of the Vietnam-Sweden Health Innovation Initiative, launched in 2024, aimed at strengthening chronic disease management capacity, modernizing digital healthcare, and improving the quality of healthcare services in Vietnam.

Sweden's experience in health data systems, clinical quality improvement, and sustainable health technology will directly contribute to practical solutions for Vietnamese hospitals and health agencies.

Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Johan Ndisi stated that cooperation between Sweden and Vietnam has developed strongly, from development assistance to joint research, trade, and innovation. (Source: Organizing Committee)

In his opening remarks, Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Johan Ndisi stated that cooperation between Vietnam and Sweden has developed strongly, from development assistance to joint research, trade, and innovation. The efforts of agencies, organizations, and businesses have demonstrated the sustainability of the professional foundation and explain why cooperation continues to expand.

Ambassador Ndisi shared: “Sweden and Vietnam have built trust in the healthcare sector over decades. Today, we are moving from shared history to shared innovation, combining Sweden’s expertise in digital healthcare and sustainable development with Vietnam’s aspiration to improve the quality of healthcare for all its people. This is a journey of turning ideas into action for a better life.”

In addition, the Ambassador pointed out that the Swedish government will continue to play an active role, working alongside many public and private partners in research, innovation, and knowledge sharing.

Through programs such as laboratory partnerships, research support, and specialized training courses, Sweden aims to help scientists expand their capabilities and improve the efficiency of research management.

The new research platform will focus on four priority areas: Digital transformation – including smart healthcare models and scalable technology solutions; preventive medicine – promoting early detection, disease prevention, and public health enhancement; infection control – contributing to national action programs on infection control and antibiotic management; and capacity building and training of healthcare personnel – improving professional skills, enhancing treatment quality, and strengthening the healthcare system.

Ms. Pham Thi Minh Chau, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Health, speaks at the event. (Source: Organizing Committee)

For her part, Ms. Pham Thi Minh Chau, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Health, emphasized that the workshop demonstrated the strong spirit of cooperation between Vietnam and Sweden in the field of health. This relationship is built on a foundation of trust, knowledge sharing, and a shared goal of improving people's health.

"The workshop is taking place in the context of Vietnam implementing Resolution No. 72 of the Politburo on a number of breakthrough solutions to strengthen the protection, care and improvement of people's health."

"This resolution sets out many strategies, including prevention over cure, shifting from passive treatment to active prevention, managing public health, and strengthening the prevention and early detection of non-communicable diseases," the Deputy Director stated.

Sweden is internationally recognized for its advanced health data ecosystem and high-quality registries, which drive evidence-based improvements in treatment outcomes and healthcare system efficiency. These experiences are guiding bilateral cooperation on digital health, clinical decision support, and quality improvement in Vietnam.

The cooperative relationship was also strengthened through a strategic partnership agreement in science, innovation, and digital transformation between Vietnam and Sweden, signed in June 2025.

The agreement lays a solid foundation for data-driven healthcare, responsible application of health data, and the development of digital hospitals. It demonstrates a shared commitment to combining Sweden's advanced medical technology with Vietnam's vision of high-quality, accessible healthcare.

Overview of the Conference. (Source: Organizing Committee)

By creating a common forum for policymakers, clinicians, researchers, and businesses, the conference aims to foster substantive collaboration and strengthen the foundation for long-term reform.

Expected outcomes from the exchange include effective and patient-centered care processes, enhanced application of health data to improve quality and equity, modernization of hospital infrastructure with higher levels of safety and productivity, and development of sustainable partnerships aligned with Vietnam's national health priorities.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/thuc-day-hop-tac-viet-nam-thuy-dien-trong-linh-vuc-y-te-337374.html