Vietnam is accelerating the digitalisation of healthcare services as hospitals introduce electronic medical records, online appointment systems and digital access to test results. The changes are intended to reduce paperwork, simplify hospital procedures and make medical services easier for patients to use.
The central city of Da Nang is among the localities moving ahead with the transition. By early September, all hospitals in the city had announced plans to implement electronic medical records. Under a local government plan issued in April, medical examination and treatment facilities are expected to complete the transition by the end of 2026.
Hospitals managed by the Da Nang Department of Health were required to stop using paper medical records from November 1. Other facilities, including hospitals under ministries and private healthcare providers, are expected to follow from January 1, 2027. The change is part of a broader effort to connect medical information and make it easier for healthcare workers to access patient records.
Some hospitals have already introduced services designed to reduce waiting times. Da Nang Hospital has installed self-service kiosks that allow patients to register for examinations using chip-based citizen identity cards or Level-2 VNeID accounts. The Hai Chau regional medical centre has also introduced an electronic record system that brings together patient details, examination information, test results and treatment records.
Private healthcare providers are also developing digital tools. Gia Dinh General Hospital launched its FAMILY Hospital application on November 11. Patients can use it to check waiting times, find examination and testing rooms and access medical results on their smartphones. The application also helps users follow their queue numbers and understand which department they need to visit next.
For certain diagnostic tests, the system can suggest locations with shorter waiting times, helping patients organise their visits more efficiently. People can also record symptoms, medical history and questions before meeting a doctor. After leaving the hospital, they can review updated results and send follow-up questions when they need clarification.
The changes could be particularly useful for people travelling from other central provinces to Da Nang for treatment. Digital navigation and remote access to medical results may reduce unnecessary journeys and make hospital visits less stressful.
Vietnam’s wider policy direction also supports the use of electronic health records, digital health books and e-prescriptions. If hospitals can connect their systems effectively while protecting patient information, digitalisation could improve the continuity and accessibility of healthcare services across the country.
