AstraZeneca enhancing sustainability and resilience of healthcare system

Representatives of the HSPI and AstraZeneca Vietnam signed the MoU on July 20

Accordingly, with support from AstraZeneca, HSPI will advance the research and recommendation of policy solutions according to three main objectives, including strengthening the sustainability of health financing; ensuring Vietnam’s self-sufficiency in terms of medicine and vaccine supplies; and improving access to healthcare and the management and treatment of non-communicable diseases at medical facilities.

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan said, "Over the last two years, Vietnam has had many achievements in fighting the pandemic. However, reality shows that its healthcare system was heavily affected by both the pandemic and pre-existing issues. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the healthcare system as a whole and draw lessons from our experience. I'm confident that the cooperation between the HSPI and AstraZeneca will succeed and provide many advanced and practical solutions to enhance the sustainability and resilience of Vietnam's health system."

Prof. Dr. Tran Van Thuan, Deputy Minister of Health, gave a speech at the signing ceremony

Dr. Tran Thi Mai Oanh, director of the HSPI added, "The pandemic has allowed us to objectively assess the strengths and limitations of the healthcare system. Through this programme, we aim to provide valuable evidence to build health policies that will help boost the Vietnamese healthcare system’s post-pandemic recovery and preparedness for future diseases."

Mai Oanh continued, "We are thankful for the continued support of AstraZeneca and other partners in this new phase of the PHSSR, joining hands to build a fair, efficient, quality, and sustainable healthcare system for all."

Dr. Tran Thi Mai Oanh, director of the HSPI, presented policy recommendations, objectives, and implementation plans for the 2022-2025 period

This MoU follows the successful implementation in 2020 and 2021 of the global PHSSR’s pilot phase, which was jointly founded by the World Economic Forum, London School of Economics, and AstraZeneca.

Vietnam was the first country in Asia to join the programme, and as part of it, HSPI adopted a framework devised by the PHSSR to analyse the strengths and limitations of the health system, which were later presented in the PHSSR Vietnam report.

Nitin Kapoor, chairman and general director of AstraZeneca Vietnam and Asia Area Frontier Markets said, "During this period when COVID-19 has subsided, we need to seize the opportunity to address other important and urgent challenges, such as ensuring healthcare for patients with non-communicable diseases, namely cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases; as well as maintaining the continuous supply of health financing, medicines, vaccines and medical equipment."

Kapoor added, "We hope that this partnership with HSPI and partners will comprehensively strengthen the healthcare system, accelerate local manufacturing, and benefit the whole society.”

Nitin Kapoor, chairman and general director of AstraZeneca Vietnam and Asia Area Frontier Markets

The signing ceremony attracted Marcus Winsley, British Deputy Ambassador to Vietnam; Dr. Le Van Kham, Standing Member of the National Assembly's Social Affairs Committee; leaders of various departments under the Ministry of Health; and representatives of the Vietnam Social Security, the Embassy of Sweden, universities, and media agencies.