Minimizing expenses, maximizing care: A healthcare breakthrough for Ly Son Island

On March 25, 2025, Siemens Healthineers, in collaboration with the Department of Health of Quang Ngai Province and the Military-Civilian Medical Center on Ly Son Island, successfully organized the hybrid scientific workshop "Precision Imaging Diagnostics in Island Healthcare." 

With over 50 medical specialists in attendance, the event in hybrid format facilitated real-time knowledge exchange, strengthening the connection between mainland and island hospitals, marking a major step in bringing advanced medical imaging technology to Vietnam’s island communities.

Located 15 nautical miles (approximately 28 kilometers) off the coast of Quang Ngai Province, Ly Son Island is home to over 24,000 residents¹, more than 23% of whom belong to low-income or near-poor households². Due to its remote location, access to specialized healthcare has long been a challenge, often forcing patients to endure costly, risky, time-consuming journeys to mainland hospitals—leading to delayed diagnoses and worsening health conditions.

The Military-Civilian Medical Center of Ly Son, a 100-bed facility launched in May 2024³, has been instrumental in addressing local medical needs. As part of the workshop, the hospital officially introduced the SOMATOM go.Now CT system and Mobilett Mira Max mobile X-ray machine, marking a breakthrough in diagnostic capabilities.    

Designed for accessibility and efficiency, the SOMATOM go.Now with myExam Companion, an AI-powered scan automation feature that enables consistent, high-quality imaging even in resource-limited settings. Its Tin Filter technology reduces unnecessary radiation exposure while enhancing soft tissue contrast—particularly crucial for lung and abdominal scans, which are common medical concerns in island communities. By integrating these innovations, the system supports earlier disease detection and more confident diagnoses, directly reducing the need for patient transfers to mainland hospitals. Meanwhile, the Mobilett Mira Max provides flexible, bedside imaging, ensuring swift diagnosis even for immobile or emergency patients. These technologies will help minimize dependence on mainland referrals, lowering travel expenses while enabling earlier detection—ultimately improving patient outcomes.   

At the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quoc Dung, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Society of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, shared an update on the application of X-ray and CT imaging in medical examinations at district-level hospitals on island regions. He emphasized how on-site diagnostic capabilities can drastically enhance early disease detection—particularly for conditions like pneumonia, pleural effusion, appendicitis, and trauma injuries, which are common among island residents. By reducing unnecessary patient transfers, these technologies not only optimize medical resources for underserved communities but also ensure timely treatment, improving overall patient outcomes.

Dr. Trinh Hoang Ha, Senior Director, Head of Government Affairs & Access to Care at Siemens Healthineers Vietnam, reinforced the dedication to expanding medical access, stating: "Bringing advanced imaging technology to remote areas is not just about equipment—it’s about empowering local healthcare professionals to deliver quality care where it’s needed most. By equipping hospitals with modern diagnostic tools, we are trying to bridge the gap between underserved communities and life-saving medical solutions."

The event wrapped up with a dynamic exchange between leading experts and local healthcare professionals, offering valuable insights into the future of medical diagnostics on the island. Attendees then toured the newly upgraded medical center, seeing firsthand how advanced imaging technology is set to transform everyday patient care in Ly Son.