Hospitals look for healthy services trade

VIR chats with chief executive officer Tan Pohlan at Vinmec, Hanoi’s first international general hospital under the hospital-hotel model, which will come online in early 2012 about the issue.

Vietnamese people bring over $1 billion abroad for healthcare services, according to Ministry of Health statistics. What are reasons behind this practice?

There are a variety of reasons relevant to both medical technologies and healthcare service quality. In fact, Vietnam’s health sector infrastructure and local hospitals were trying hard in the past couples of years to keep pace with patients’ burgeoning requirements. When payment ability was not an issue, more local people came abroad to receive their expected healthcare services.

Vinmec aims to become a leading Vietnam-based international hospital. What will the hospital do to lure local patients?

For any patients staying in their home country to receive world-class services during treatment period is the best option.

With my personal management expertise, doctors’ sound qualifications, state-of-the art medical facilities and beyond all the customer-centric psychology parallel to strong international relations, I believe Vinmec will become a trustworthy venue on a par with any medical facilities worldwide.

Besides, for patents already receiving services abroad, Vinmec will keep track of their treatment records to ensure treatment efficiency.

How to make that goal come true?

Humans are the key factor. We need talented people who are totally devoted to their work and capable of creating differences in patients’ lives.

As an ex-CEO at several Singapore-based reputed hospitals like East Shore or Greneagles, will you invite qualified foreign doctors and experts to work for Vinmec based on existing relationships?

Besides to qualified doctors and cutting-edge technology communications with patients and their families are also important. Nobody can handle this better than local people.

What we bring to Vinmec is the best experiences procured in Singapore.

Vinmec’s staff must be entirely dedicated to work as well as to patients. It is vital we grow more professionally while enriching our practical experiences.

What will make Vinmec different from other hospitals?

At Vinmec, each doctor is an instructor to their patients. They must be sure the patients and their families benefit from the best services, in the meantime they must guide patients and their relatives ways to take good care of themselves.