The information was unveiled by HCM City’s Department of Health at a conference on July 9 to review healthcare services in the first six months and outline tasks for the second half.

Following recent administrative mergers with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces, the city's population is projected to grow from over 9.9 million to approximately 13.7 million. While the number of hospitals has increased from 134 to 164, the number of hospital beds per 10,000 residents has declined from 42 to 35, requiring the expansion of medical infrastructure.

Currently, Ho Chi Minh City operates 168 health stations and 296 affiliated units. According to new guidelines from the Ministry of Health, 125 of these stations, each with a floor area of over 500 square meters, meet the criteria for upgrading into mini hospitals. These enhanced facilities will be outfitted with dedicated departments for screening, treatment, and health monitoring, making essential healthcare services more accessible to residents in their local communities.

New mini hospitals will act as the first point of contact for residents, providing primary care and reducing the need for visits to higher-level hospitals, said Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Anh Dung, deputy director of the HCM City’s Department of Health.

The city's health sector is aiming to develop a specialised urban model that serves as a national hub for health, science, technology, and innovation. Major hospitals in the city will also provide technological support and manpower to grassroots medical units, including the Con Dao military-civilian medical centre and other remote areas, Dr. Dung added.

Three new public hospitals to open in HCM City this year

Three regional general hospitals being built at the entrances to Ho Chi Minh City will open to patients this year, and they are expected to help reduce overloading at major public hospitals.