Ha Noi, 9 January 2023 – The Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH), signed memorandums of understanding with the Ministry of Health of Viet Nam and with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) regarding cooperation in the implementation of telemedicine applications to improve access to health services for disadvantaged groups in Viet Nam. The Korean Government through KOFIH will provide US$3.2 million in non-refundable official development assistance for this project, supporting the implementation of the "Doctor for Everyone" software in ten provinces in different regions of Viet Nam with a combined population of up to 10 million people.

This project aims to improve the health of disadvantaged populations constrained by supply issues by boosting digital transformation in health and enhancing access to health services to contribute to the quality improvement of grassroots health services. The project will modernize software and digital solutions, offer servers and IT equipment, train personnel, and reinforce the legal foundation for telehealth.

Professor Doctor Luong Ngoc Khue, People’s Doctor, Vice Chair of the National Medical Council and Director of the Viet Nam Administration for Medical Services of the Ministry of Health, stated, "We are delighted to sign a memorandum of collaboration for a new initiative to expand access to primary healthcare. We are confident that the initiative will be successfully and efficiently conducted so that individuals from disadvantaged groups will have access to high-quality medical care."

“We hope that experience in IT and healthcare information is expected to help establish the telehealth system and successfully implement its management for underprivileged areas in Viet Nam. Through this project, KOFIH will provide its support for improving access to healthcare services for the disadvantaged and strengthening the healthcare system in Viet Nam,” said Kim Chang-yup, President of Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) said.

The “Doctor for Everyone” software aims to complement the existing telehealth program of the Ministry of Health, for which VAMS serves as the national coordinating organization. The "Doctor for Everyone" software is perfectly aligned with Viet Nam's plan to modernize and develop the health system at all levels, particularly the ability of the healthcare system at the commune level for early diagnosis and treatment.

“Our aim is to support the development of a nationwide grassroots telehealth system in which grassroots health workers have medical guidance at their fingertips, and where patients, especially those from disadvantaged groups, receive the highest quality care in a timely manner. UNDP stands ready to further deepen our strategic partnership with VAMS, the Ministry of Health, and the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare to support the achievement of Viet Nam’s strategic targets for the new rural development program by 2025, and for the National Program for Digital Transformation in health,” said Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam.

According to Ms. Khalidi, this is a key part of UNDP’s overall support to innovation in Viet Nam’s health sector, alongside other activities supporting the development of a climate-smart healthcare system, including a new model for climate resilient commune health stations.

For more information, please kindly contact:
Phan Huong Giang
UNDP Media and Communications Analyst, Climate Change and Environment
Email: phan.huong.giang@undp.org
Mobile: 0948466688