The 2026-2030 projects include high-tech screening and medical equipment, a cyclotron and linear accelerator, a proton therapy centre and patient support facilities.
The investment aims to strengthen the hospital's capacity in early diagnosis, multimodal treatment, advanced radiotherapy and nuclear medicine.
The VND 587 billion cyclotron and linear accelerator project will boost radiotherapy capacity and secure radioactive tracers for PET/CT scans, with potential to supply other hospitals in HCM City and neighbouring provinces.
The city has approved in principle a project to purchase specialised medical equipment, with bidding expected by the first quarter of 2027. The other projects are being prepared for approval in the 2026-2027 period.
Measures to ease overcrowding
The hospital receives about 4,800-5,000 patients a day, more than 75 per cent from other provinces and cities.
To meet growing radiotherapy demand, it operates equipment from 5 am to 11 p.m. and uses shorter treatment regimens where appropriate, while prioritising urgent cases.
Amid shortages of the radioactive tracer 18F-FDG used for PET/CT scans, the hospital is using alternatives including CT, MRI and bone scans where appropriate to avoid disrupting treatment.
The health department said expanding the existing hospital alone would not meet rising cancer care demand and plans to develop a broader network of screening, diagnosis and treatment facilities.
Projects include a proposed 700-bed Oncology Hospital branch in Ba Ria, high-tech screening and diagnostic centres in Tan Kien and Thu Duc, and another Oncology Hospital branch in Binh Duong.
The department said new hospitals and equipment should be accompanied by a broader cancer control strategy covering prevention, early detection, advanced treatment, palliative care and stronger cooperation with other localities.