The ministry has sought feedback from other ministries and agencies on a draft prime ministerial decision approving the medical tourism development scheme.
The proposal aims to establish a professional, safe and high-quality medical tourism network by 2030, with competitive services and destinations that could strengthen Vietnam's position in the international market.
A key target is to have at least 20 hospitals accredited to international quality standards, including at least five public hospitals.
The eight proposed priority localities are Hanoi, HCM City, Haiphong, Quang Ninh, Danang, Hue, Khanh Hoa and An Giang, particularly Phu Quoc Special Zone.
Specific destinations would be selected based on healthcare capacity, medical expertise, facilities, tourism resources, transport links, accommodation and market demand.
Priority services would include health screenings, early disease detection, dental care, fertility treatment, specialised medical procedures, traditional medicine, rehabilitation, wellness services and elderly care.
The draft also proposes streamlined services for international patients, from consultations and appointments to treatment, payment and follow-up care.
Information on service quality and costs would be made publicly available in multiple languages to help foreign patients access healthcare.
To attract international patients, the ministry proposes reviewing visa, entry, accommodation and travel policies for patients and accompanying carers.
The plan also calls for clearer medical pricing regulations, easier international payments, hospital payment guarantees and stronger links with domestic and overseas insurers.
Workforce development would focus on foreign-language proficiency, medical interpretation, quality management and customer service.
Under the proposed timetable, 2026-2027 would focus on preparations and the selection of services and locations.
Implementation in selected localities is envisaged for 2028, alongside an initial review, with successful models to be refined and selectively expanded during the 2029-2030 period.
The Ministry of Health stressed that medical tourism development must ensure patient safety without compromising healthcare quality or access to medical services for Vietnamese residents.