HCM CITY — A strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) on enhancing cancer treatment and patient care standards across Việt Nam in 2026-28 was signed by the HCM City Oncology Hospital and multinational pharmaceutical company Novartis Vietnam in HCM City on October 5.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Diệp Bảo Tuấn, director of the hospital, said the agreement would deliver direct benefits to patients, particularly in the southern region.

“This partnership opens a new phase of collaboration, focusing not only on continuing medical education, but also on strengthening research capabilities and connecting the cancer-care network.”

Cancer remains a major public health challenge in Việt Nam.

The growing burden underscores the urgent need to improve diagnostic accuracy, strengthen medical capabilities, and expand access to comprehensive healthcare services.

Under the MoU, the two sides will collaborate across three key pillars to strengthen the country’s oncology care ecosystem.

First, the partnership will focus on upskilling healthcare professionals through continuing medical education programmes, scientific symposia, and clinical workshops. These initiatives aim to keep medical staff up to date with the latest global clinical advances, thereby improving the quality of diagnosis and treatment.

Second, the hospital will leverage its position as a regional centre of excellence to provide technical support and professional training to lower-level healthcare facilities.

The initiative aims to strengthen treatment capacity at provincial and local levels, enabling earlier detection and timely intervention for patients nationwide.

The two sides will also collaborate to advance modern treatment solutions in high-priority areas of oncology, specifically breast and lung cancer, while strengthening clinical research capabilities.

Third, they will roll out patient-centred support programmes, including online consultations, health education workshops, and early-screening awareness campaigns.

These activities seek to improve health literacy, help caregivers navigate complex treatment journeys, and promote proactive health management within the community.

Jondy Syjuco, general director of Novartis Vietnam Co., Ltd., reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to advancing medical knowledge and healthcare infrastructure in the country.

“Scientific innovation achieves its fullest potential when combined with strong local healthcare capacity and active patient engagement.”

Through the three-year initiative, the two sides aim to build a resilient, high-capacity cancer-care network to better serve patients and support the overall modernisation of the country’s medical system. — VNS