GE opens second Anesthesia and Intensive Care Simulation Center in Vietnam

Representatives cutting ribbons opening Anesthesia and Intensive Care Simulation Center

This center is the second of its kind in the country, following the successful model called the Simulation Lab for Anesthesia and Intensive Care launched at Viet Duc Hospital in Hanoi in July 2016, which is under the management and administration of the Vietnam Society of Anesthesiology (VSA).

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Hoang Bac, director of UMC

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Hoang Bac, director of UMC said: “We are glad to welcome doctors, students and anesthesiologists to study and practice at the Anesthesia and Intensive Care Simulation Center. This is where we will have the chance to interact with international trainers, exchange domain expertise and simulate crisis scenarios that although rare, will demand the most of a doctor’s skill and expertise in the most critical moments. It will help medical staff be well-prepared for unexpected situations, resulting in safer surgery and better patient outcomes for the Vietnamese community.”

Doctors conducting simulation practice

The new Anesthesia and Intensive Care Simulation Center in Ho Chi Minh City is expected to train at least 400 doctors, specialty trainees and students each year by supporting the simulation training and teaching of anesthesia and intensive care techniques, as well as promoting knowledge sharing in the field through demonstrations and equipment showcases.

As a part of this collaboration, GE Healthcare will develop the training plan, content and organise training courses tied to international best practices with the support from experts.

Meanwhile, VietMedical, GE Healthcare’s authorised distributor in Vietnam, will be responsible for providing a suite of innovative equipment including anesthesia machines, patient monitors, ventilators, information connecting systems, monitor systems, ECG carts, ultrasound machines and simulator.

These cutting-edge technologies cover advanced features of low flow anesthesia, target controlled infusion, balanced anesthesia, pulmonary mobilization in general anesthesia, as well as high-level hemodynamic parameters.

The anesthesia system also includes basic anesthesia machine which is suitable for provincial hospitals. The trainees, hence, will have the chance to practice in a professional medical environment with full package of equipment to upskill and update innovative anesthesia technologies.

President of VietMedical Do Lan Phuong

"Through the practical support of clinical application training for hospitals in recent years, we have recognised the lackage of simulation training by which students and physicians could improve their knowledge, personal skills and teamwork through hypothesised situations, avoiding medical errors in patient treatment. Additionally, medical technologies are constantly evolving day by day, requiring healthcare provider to master and use them safely and effectively. Therefore, we are determined to invest the most modern package of equipment for this Anesthesia and Simulation Training Center ”, said Do Lan Phuong, president of VietMedical.

Vietnam’s healthcare system is facing numerous challenges, one of which is the lack of skilled doctors working in anesthesia. According to a report by VSA, the ratio of anesthesiologists in Vietnam is 1:96,491 people while it is 1:24,748 in Singapore and 1:28,118 in the Philippines.

Nilesh Shah, general manager for Clinical Care Solutions, ASEAN, Africa and South Asia, GE Healthcare

“Human capacity and technology are the key to enhancing healthcare systems sustainably. Well-trained anesthesiologists deliver safer and better patient treatment, while advanced equipment supports them to make decisions faster and accurately.These are our key goals to facilitate safe anaesthesia administration in Vietnam to sustainably improve healthcare outcomes,” said Nilesh Shah, general manager for Clinical Care Solutions, ASEAN, Africa and South Asia, GE Healthcare.