Connecting potential for technological development and innovation in healthcare

According to experts at the forum, biotechnology and digital transformation are key components of the fourth industrial revolution.

Photo: Ministry of Science and Technology

Regarding biotechnology, Professor Tran Huy Thinh from Hanoi Medical University outlined research directions for biotechnology applications in Vietnam. These include developing vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, drugs, and biological products for disease prevention and treatment; applying gene and cell technologies in disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment; using biotechnology to produce herbal medicines; developing in vitro diagnostic medical devices; and applying AI and big data in disease screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Thinh stated that biotechnology in medicine is applied in many fields in Vietnam, especially in diagnosis and treatment guidance. Examples include detecting disease-causing gene mutations, identifying gene carriers, prenatal screening and genetic counselling, and determining gene status for drug response in lung, blood, and colorectal cancer treatments.

At the forum, speakers shared other important topics such as cell therapy, stem cell applications, medicinal plant genetic research, personalised 3D printing technology, digital transformation, open data in healthcare, AI applications in healthcare, and digital technology in the pharmaceutical business.

Nguyen Tri Thuc, deputy minister of health, stated, "Innovation in healthcare addresses increasing challenges and demands in all aspects of healthcare activities, from primary care, disease prevention, medical examinations, and treatment, to production of medicines, vaccines, biologicals, and medical equipment."

Technological advancements in healthcare are also evident in Vietnam's initial mastery of high-tech product manufacturing, such as laser machines, stents for cardiovascular use, intraocular lenses for ophthalmology, and successful technology transfer and application in producing ventilators for COVID-19 patients.

Photo: Ministry of Science and Technology

However, Thuc noted that developing science, technology, and innovation in healthcare requires collaboration between medical experts, technologists, policymakers, and investors to bring positive changes.

Sharing further on this issue, Nguyen Phu Hung, director of the Department of Science and Technology for Economic Technical Branches under the MoST, said that the ministry has recently restructured its sci-tech programmes, with healthcare always being a priority area. Notably, many scientific research projects have been applied, creating impressive successes on par with advanced countries in areas such as organ transplantation, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, robotic-assisted spine surgery, and robotic-assisted paediatric endoscopic surgery.

The healthcare sector currently seeks support from various ministries, especially the MoST. The sector hopes to connect potential for technological development and innovation in healthcare between organisations, units, technology developers, and investors to promote Vietnam's healthcare sector.

Empowering innovation for Vietnam's sustainable healthcare VIR plans to host a healthcare conference on September 25, expecting to attract about 200 participants, including policymakers, international organisations, senior experts, and those from the business community.

VIR conference highlights innovation in Vietnam's healthcare sector A conference organised by Vietnam Investment Review (VIR) themed "Empowering Innovation for Vietnam's Sustainable Healthcare" was held on September 25, offering an opportunity for policymakers and companies to discuss innovation in Vietnam's healthcare sector.

Innovation and biotechnology lead Vietnam’s healthcare development Unlocking the power of health innovation and biotechnology will help Vietnam keep pace with global trends in healthcare research and development, providing a golden opportunity for healthcare and pharmaceutical startups to rise and thrive.

Ensuring technological progress in northern midlands and mountainous regions The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) in collaboration with Cao Bang People's Committee organised a workshop on promoting technology application and technical progress for rapid and sustainable socioeconomic development in the northern midlands and mountainous regions on October 9.