It´s buzzing, it´s constantly in motion, it never sleeps. Ho Chi Minh City is full of life, most of it happening on the streets, which are dominated by motorbikes. There is literally a never-ending stream of them running through the economic center of Vietnam, home to a population of more than 9 million1 citizens.
This ‘buzz’ reflects a characteristic of the Vietnamese people: they are busy! The self-employment rate is exceptionally high by international standards, with 56% of total employment2. To some extent, this high figure results from a lack of other job opportunities, but it also demonstrates an entrepreneurial mentality. A quality certainly shared by those who are permanently employed as well. In that context, healthcare plays an important role for the individual as well as for the national economy. The healthier a society the better its chances to prosper. So, it is a good sign that over 90%3 of Vietnamese people have health insurance, and in principle, access to care. However, hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City still receive up to 60% of the country`s patients4 – which is a logistical and medical challenge. This is where private hospitals like Tam Anh come into the picture, playing a crucial role in providing high-quality care for ‘everyone’ in Vietnams metropolitan areas.
Siemens Healthineers is proud to cooperate with Tam Anh Hospital, providing high-end imaging solutions for its radiology departments. The hospital in Ho Chi Minh City was only established in March 2021. Since then, it has been rapidly growing, today comprising 43 clinics, caring for more than 1,800 patients per day.
Tam Anh Hospital HCM
"No private hospital has grown by such a large number in only a year and a half. At the same time, we also care for our patients with great attitude and dedication […] And besides that, the most important thing is to achieve efficiency with the best modern equipment in the region."
A center piece of the hospital is its Diagnostic Imaging Center, focusing on various clinical specialties such as Cardiology, Neurology, Pediatrics, Women’s Health, Interventional Radiology and more. Four MRI scanners, two CT scanners, 24 Ultrasound scanners, five X-rays, a Mammography device are in operation at Tam Anh Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, most of them from Siemens Healthineers.
Dr. Phuong (left), Prof. Binh (right)
Dr. Ho Hoang Phuong, Director of Center for Diagnostic Imaging & Interventional Radiology proudly highlights some of the benefits using the latest imaging technology, making a real difference for patients, who rely on accurate, fast and patient-friendly exams.
"Imagine that it [SOMATOM Drive] can capture 768 slices in one rotation. That allows us to do a CT coronary angiogram without adjusting the heart rate. It helps us to do a chest CT scan with a very low dose of radiation5… it captures the whole body within just 3 to 4 seconds, only 3 to 4 seconds."
An excellent cooperation between a healthcare provider and medical equipment manufacturer however, relies not only on great products, but equally as much on the long-term relationship and trust between both, and sometimes even third parties, as Dr. Phuong points out.
"Besides the modern features of the machines that they [Siemens Healthineers] provide, it's also because of their presence in making connections and friendships, as well as the connections we make while dealing with operational difficulties. They are always present. […] it is invaluable when choosing a partner that can go with us in the long run."
For Siemens Healthineers, a very important role in local presence is being played by its business partners. They know the geography of the market and help us to engage with healthcare providers on a broader and deeper level. One of these partners in Vietnam is iMED Medical Equipment.
iMED Medical Equipment Company Limited
“The partnership between Siemens Healthineers and iMED is a success because both parties bring to the table what the other lacks or is limited by. Siemens Healthineers is one of the companies leading in advanced diagnostic imaging technologies. Meanwhile, iMED is capable of covering a wide and deep local market.”
“Winning together” is one of the core values of Siemens Healthineers and perfectly conveyed in this statement from Nguyen Bich Chau, Business Operation Manager at iMED. Partners can achieve more when they tap into each other’s uniqueness: leading technology, innovation, local market-expertise and -presence. A winning combination for excellent customer relationships and better healthcare in Vietnam.
Or, to say it with the words of Mr. Dang Tran Vinh Han, CEO of iMED:
"In business terms, people often say it's a 'win-win' situation. One win for Siemens Healthineers, one win for iMED. But I can be certain that there is always one more win for our country, Vietnam."