Hanoi health sector targets digital leap under new Party resolution

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi’s foremost political priority in 2026 will be the full and decisive implementation of Politburo Resolution 72 on protecting, caring for and advancing public health, the city’s Party Secretary Nguyen Duy Ngoc said on February 26.

The Hanoi Department of Health must turn that resolution into concrete action plans, using public satisfaction and trust as the highest benchmark, Ngoc said at a ceremony marking the 71st anniversary of Vietnamese Doctors’ Day (February 27, 1955-2026).

He urged the sector to accelerate digital transformation and innovation as breakthrough drivers.

“The sector must strengthen data connectivity, link electronic health records with digital school records and gradually apply artificial intelligence in governance and clinical support to modernize the entire examination and treatment process,” Ngoc said.

He also called for tighter food safety control, stronger supply-chain management, enhanced traceability and stricter inspections to protect public health over the long term.

"It's needed to build a strong healthcare culture and professional ethics so every medical worker in the capital acts with integrity, dedication and civility, preserving the profession’s public standing," said Ngoc.

He urged the sector to fully leverage the revised Capital Law to restructure the healthcare system toward a modern, smart and internationally integrated model.

“Hanoi must build a synchronized core-satellite hospital network and develop modern commune- and ward-level health stations to meet rising healthcare demand,” he said.

Ngoc said city leaders understand the daily pressures faced by healthcare workers.

“The Party Committee and city authorities will direct relevant agencies to remove bottlenecks in mechanisms and policies, from medical procurement to administrative reform, creating a clear and safe legal framework so health workers can focus on their mission,” he said.

He called for change to begin with service attitudes so that every smile and word of encouragement from medical staff becomes meaningful support for patients.

Expressing gratitude to the families of health workers, Ngoc said their quiet support enables doctors to fulfill their mission. He voiced confidence that Hanoi’s healthcare workforce will continue its proud tradition and meet public expectations.

Responding to the directives, Hanoi Health Department Director Nguyen Trong Dien pledged to turn commitment into action and tackle bottlenecks, particularly in food safety management and grassroots healthcare modernization.

“Each medical worker will act as a pioneering force so that the white coat remains a symbol of trust and hope,” he said.

Dien said that over the past 71 years, Hanoi’s health sector has delivered major achievements, contributing to the city’s socio-economic growth.

In 2026, the department adopts the strategic motto: “Pioneering – Connecting – Breakthrough for an integrated, modern, smart and humane healthcare system.”

“This is a pivotal year to implement Resolution 72 decisively,” Dien said.

He added that the sector will integrate other thematic resolutions on technological breakthroughs, physical development in education and healthcare culture to strengthen professional ethics.

"As the city advances its 100-year master plan and implements the revised Capital Law, the sector will restructure sustainably, planning a strategic healthcare network of core satellite hospitals and modern commune- and ward-level health stations," the director said.

Hanoi Party Secretary Nguyen Duy Ngoc praised the dedication and sacrifices of Hanoi’s medical workforce.

He recalled that President Ho Chi Minh 71 years ago urged doctors to act like caring mothers, calling it a moral compass for generations of Vietnamese physicians.

Ngoc commended hospitals, grassroots health stations and medical staff for maintaining a frontline role in community healthcare.

He also recognized the sector’s proactive rollout of central and city resolutions, especially in digital transformation and the use of information technology in management and treatment.

Hanoi honors doctors, caretakers and units in health sector Hanoi Party Secretary Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Dai Thang and other city leaders at the ceremony presented awards to collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements in 2025. The title of Meritorious Doctor went to Dr. Bui Vinh Quang, Director of Hanoi Oncology Hospital. The prime minister’s Certificate of Merit went to the Hanoi Department of Health, the Hanoi Center for Disease Control, Gia Lam General Hospital and several individuals. Duc Giang, Dong Da, Xanh Pon and Ha Dong general hospitals received certificates of merit from the Hanoi Party Committee and the Hanoi People's Council for contributions to healthcare and digital transformation. Hanoi Party Secretary Nguyen Duy Ngoc said the honored collectives and individuals exemplify responsibility, professional ethics and dedication.