DECISION

INTRODUCING THE SCHEME FOR APPLICATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SMART HEALTHCARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR THE 2019 - 2025 PERIOD

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH

Pursuant to the Politburo’s Resolution No. 52-NQ/TW dated September 27, 2019 on a number of guidelines and policies for active participation in the fourth industrial revolution;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 75/2017/ND-CP dated June 20, 2017 on functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Ministry of Health;

Pursuant to the Prime Minister’s Directive No. 16/CT-TTg dated May 04, 2017 on strengthening of the ability to access the fourth industrial revolution;

At the request of the Head of the Electronic Health Administration,

HEREBY DECIDES:

Article 1. Promulgated with this Decision is the scheme for application and development of smart healthcare information technology for the 2019 - 2025 period (hereinafter referred to as “the Scheme”).

Article 2. This Decision takes effect from the date on which it is signed.

Article 3. Head of Office of the Ministry of Health, Head of the Electronic Health Administration, Head of the Department of Planning and Finance, Chief Inspector of the Ministry of Health, heads of affiliates of the Ministry of Health, heads of Departments of Health, heads of health units of other Ministries and regulatory bodies and heads of relevant units shall implement this Decision./.

SCHEME

FOR APPLICATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SMART HEALTHCARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR THE 2019 - 2025 PERIOD
(Enclosed with the Decision No. 4888/QD-BYT dated October 18, 2019 by the Minister of Health)

Part 1

SCHEME BACKGROUND

I. DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE ERA OF DIGITAL INDUSTRIES

1. Overview of the fourth industrial revolution

With the foundation for digitalization from the third industrial revolution, the fourth industrial revolution is a major trend that incorporates a multitude of digital technologies and has witnessed the breakthrough of the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, big data processing, cloud computing and other digital technologies. These technologies serve to establish hyperconnectivity between the real world and the digital space via integrating digital - physical - biological systems to create new workforces and relations of production, thus comprehensively transforming all facets of life, from production, service provision and business methods to consumption and social interactions and even humans themselves.

Digital technology is thriving and significantly influencing all aspects of socio-economic life around the globe. Revolutionary scientific changes and digital technology breakthroughs lead to the trend and the needs for extensive renovation in terms of the national socio-economic structure and model as well as the management system of each sector and area.

a) Cloud computing

Cloud computing allows for unlimited and on-demand provision of services, including archiving, platform development and software services, which enables units to utilize it for management, archiving and use of big and complicated data while saving the time and effort for management, expansion and optimization.

b) Big data

“big data” is a terminology for management, archiving, utilization, analysis and forecast based on a very large and complicated set of data that traditional data processing applications are unable to handle.

With its ability to process big data, artificial intelligence is an assistance indispensable to the healthcare sector in various activities such as disease surveillance and control, medical statistics, medical services and healthcare administration.

c) Artificial intelligence

“artificial intelligence” or “AI” is a terminology for computer applications developed by humans that enable computers to automatically carry out actions with human-like intelligence.

Some applications of AI in the healthcare sector include support for medical imaging, analysis and assessment of test results and robotic surgery.

d) Internet of Things

“Internet of Things” or “IoT” is a terminology for the connection and exchange between physical devices such as computers, mobile phones, electronic devices, sensors, vehicles, electronic appliances, etc.

e) Blockchain

“blockchain” means the technology for management of databases of dispersed data by recording all information and transactions into blocks over a period of time. Once the data has been recorded, it cannot be changed or counterfeited, which allows for safety of the whole system. Recently, blockchain is regarded as an effective technology for ensuring the safety and confidentiality of health records.

g) 3D printing technology

3D printing technology is an advancement of the printing technology that allows products with relatively complex structure to be manufactured in the form of one single block.

In terms of healthcare, the 3D printing technology can produce medical tools, models used in medical services, prosthetics, bones, ear cartilage, heart valves, tissues, human body models, etc. that have become popular in recent years.

2. Vietnam’s guidelines and policies for active participation in the fourth industrial revolution

In Vietnam, the fourth industrial revolution has been greatly affecting every area, from the economy, culture and society to politics, national defense and sensation and the environment. From the beginning of its tenure, the 12th Politburo has ordered a thorough research on the fourth industrial revolution. Various research projects, forums and seminars have taken place to identify, analyze and forecast the impacts of the fourth industrial revolution on socio-economic areas. In the Resolution No. 23/NQ-TW dated March 22, 2018 on the direction for formulation of policies for national industrial development by 2030 with vision towards 2045, the Politburo has directed the formulation and deployment of the strategy for approaching and actively participating in the fourth industrial revolution for Vietnam, the national digital transformation strategy and many other development regimes, policies and solutions suitable to the circumstances of the fourth industrial revolution; the Prime Minister has promulgated the Directive No. 16-CT/TTg dated May 4, 2017 on improvement of capacity for approaching the fourth industrial revolution. Based on such foundations, Ministries, regulatory bodies and local governments shall formulate and implement their own specific policies.

II. NECESSITY OF THE SCHEME

1. Readiness for application of digital technology in the healthcare sector

a) Readiness in terms of digital infrastructure of the healthcare sector

The Ministry of Health is establishing a national healthcare data center and investing in server rooms of at least Tier2 standards; forming the health service bus for national-level information systems; completing online public service systems; and deploying systems for e-medical statistics and all-people e-health records; etc. Infrastructure is being constructed in a manner that meets information technology (“IT”) application requirements in health authorities while the internet backbone, wifi, etc. undergo maintenance and upgrade every year.

b) Readiness for application of digital technology in the healthcare sector

The healthcare sector has gained access to digital technologies such as the Internet of Medical Things (“IoMT”), AI in healthcare, virtual reality, could computing, mobile computing and big data analysis. To be specific:

Firstly, IT application is more utilized in medical services: most hospitals have deployed their information system. A number of hospitals began interacting with their patients via social networks such as those in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City; e-medical records applications, cloud computing applications, etc. have been developed.

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Vietnam Social Security, has successfully employing the nationwide interlinking connection between healthcare facilities across the country and social security authorities. To date, 99.5% of healthcare facilities throughout the country have established an interlinking connection with the health insurance inspection system of the Vietnam Social Security.

Secondly, the telemedicine system and IoMT have been developed. The healthcare sector has deployed the Telemedicine Project for nucleus hospitals as well for satellite ones. Connection between electronic devices and transmission of data to systems, connection with HIS-LIS-RIS and PACS-EMR systems, patient identification via barcodes, sensors and RFID have also been implemented.

Thirdly, robots are utilized in healthcare. The healthcare sector currently owns 4 notable robot systems of use to modern medicine, which are the da Vinci robot for endoscopy, Renaissance robot for spine surgery, Makoplasty robot for knee and hip joint surgery and Rose robot for neurosurgery.

Fourthly, AI is deployed. The healthcare sector has carry out pilot application of “cognitive computing” in cancer treatment in a number of hospitals such as Phu Tho general hospital in 2018 or Quang Ninh general hospital in 2018. Applications supporting clinical decision making in hospital’s information systems, drug interactions checkers; Chatbots providing consultancy; voice recognition for inputting data into hospital’s information systems have also been put to use.

c) Readiness in terms of state management and medical services

 The Ministry of Health has promulgated many legislative documents and guidelines for development of healthcare IT applications such as the Minister of Health’s Circular No. 46/2018/TT-BYT dated December 28, 2018 prescribing electronic medical records; the Minister of Health’s Circular No. 54/2017/TT-BYT dated December 29, 2017 on criteria for assessment of IT application in healthcare facilities; the Minister of Health’s Circular No. 49/2017/T-BYT dated December 28, 2017 on telemedicine; the Minster of Health’s Circular No. 53/2014/TT-BYT dated December 29, 2014 on requirements for provision of online medical services and other specialized documents concerning information safety, digital signatures, etc.

d) Readiness in terms of strategies, action plans, plans and duties related to the fourth industrial revolution of the healthcare sector

The healthcare sector has implemented the e-Government architecture framework version 1.0 in the Ministry of Health since 2015 to improve consistent connectivity, integration and sharing of information and infrastructure; enhance application of IT in administrative reform, and successfully and efficiently deploy many online public services.

In the near future, the Ministry of Health is focusing on 3 e-medical programs which are Program 1. Building infrastructure and implementing e-medical statistics to gradually establish the national healthcare data center; Program 2. Deploying e-health records, e-medical records and programs for commune-level medical station management according to standards; Program 3. Establishing and putting to use the single-window online public service system of the Ministry of Health, and connecting such system to the national single-window system and ASEAN single-window system.

dd) Readiness in terms of digital workforce and organizational structure of the healthcare sector

In order to ensure consistency in management of IT application in its service providers and affiliates, the healthcare sector formed the Electronic Health Administration in 2012. Healthcare units and hospitals have also established bodies specializing in IT and assigned officials to be in charge of IT application.

2. Impacts of digital technology on the healthcare sector

Via analysis of development trends in digital technology and readiness for application of digital technology in the healthcare sector, digital technology development is capable of fundamentally impacting the sector in the following 3 aspects:

Firstly, it is the impact on internal management and operating methods of affiliates of the Ministry of Health, which leads to operation management via the digital technology platform of the fourth industrial revolution.

Secondly, it directly impacts healthcare beneficiaries and services provided by the healthcare sector by shifting from traditional medical services to digital ones via the digital data platform.

Thirdly, and most importantly, it is the impact on methods for specialized and professional operations. The digital transformation process will be the catalyst for management bodies and healthcare facilities to heavily invest in data digitalization and IT application.

In an environment where organizations operate according to new data and working methods, the future of the healthcare sector interweaves with the ability to connect, exchange, use and analyze data. In order to realize this, the healthcare sector must change its method of working, from traditional methods involving papers to digital-based operations, and gradually improve digital data connectivity, exchange, use and analysis.

For the purposes of the abovementioned matters, formulation of a scheme for application and development of smart healthcare IT is crucial for digital technology and smart technology to be promptly deployed in the healthcare sector, aiming for renovation of the sector’s operation in the modern and smart direction.

III. LEGAL GROUNDS

Resolution No. 20-NQ/TW dated October 25, 2017 by the Central Steering Committee on enhancement of citizens’ health protection, improvement, and care in new situation;

Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW dated July 01, 2014 by the 11th Politburo on promoting IT application and development towards sustainable development and international integration;

Resolution No. 52-NQ/TW dated September 27, 2019 by the Politburo on a number of guidelines and policies for active participation in the fourth industrial revolution;

Resolution No. 26/NQ-CP dated April 15, 2015 by the Government introducing the anti-aging program of the Government for implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW dated July 01, 2014 on promoting IT application and development towards sustainable development and international integration;

Resolution No. 17/NQ-CP dated March 07, 2019 by the Government regarding certain key tasks and measures of development of the electronic Government for the period 2019 - 2020 with vision towards 2025.

Decision No. 1819/QD-TTg dated October 26, 2015 by the Prime Minister approving the national program of IT application in operation of regulatory authorities for the 2016 - 2020 period;

Decision No. 153/QD-TTg dated January 30, 2018 by the Prime Minister approving the IT target program for the 2016 - 2020 period;

Directive No. 16/CT-TTg dated May 04, 2017 by the Prime Minister on strengthening of the ability to access the fourth industrial revolution;

Decision No. 445/QD-BYT dated February 05, 2016 by the Minister of Health approving the plan for IT application and development for the 2019 - 2025 period.

Part 2

PRINCIPLES, DEFINITIONS AND TARGETS

I. PRINCIPLES OF SCHEME FORMULATION

Firstly, contents of the Scheme must suit guidelines and policies of the Communist Party and the State for development of the e-Government and digital Government and orientations, strategies, planning, plans and programs concerning healthcare for the people of the Ministry of Health.

Secondly, focusing on application of scientific and technological achievements of the fourth industrial revolution, applying AI and smart technologies in renovation and strengthening of state management of the healthcare sector, contributing to the improvement of medical service quality for the people.

Thirdly, it is the responsibilities of Party Executive Committees at all levels and local governments to apply and develop digital technologies and smart technologies in healthcare, which plays a role in renovating Vietnam's healthcare system. Regarding such responsibilities, the Ministry of Health shall take charge and formulate regimes, policies and regulations to establish a legal framework for application and development of smart healthcare IT.

II. DEFINITIONS

1. E-health

According to the World Health Organization, “e-health" means the use of information and communication technologies for healthcare in at least 05 strategic areas which are treatment, research, training, epidemic surveillance and public health surveillance. In other words, e-health is the application of IT in medical service planning, management and provision.

2. Digital health

Digital health is the next step of e-health, which focuses on collection and utilization of healthcare data via application of digital technologies in activities of the healthcare sector.

Digital technologies consist of:

- Physical sensors to collect data from the surrounding environment.

- Capacity for storage, calculation and analysis of the collected big data.

- Automatic activities that can assist decision makers with making decisions based on the collected data.

- Other digital technologies for healthcare data collection and use.

3. Smart health

“smart health” means increasing the use of automatic technologies and AI in developing digital healthcare to automate and optimize healthcare activities, leading to breakthroughs in healthcare for the people.

III. OBJECTIVES

1. General objectives

Apply and develop digital technology and smart technology in healthcare for the purposes of establishing a modern, quality, equal, efficient and internationally integrated healthcare system in Vietnam; provide healthcare information to the people readily, which allows them access to highly efficient medical services, and continuous and lifelong health protection, care and improvement.

2. Specific objectives

Objective 1: Establish and gradually develop smart healthcare and disease prevention systems, contributing to the deployment of the Vietnam Health Program.

Objective 2. Promote IT application in healthcare facilities to contribute to administrative reform and alleviate hospital overload; employ e-medical records and aim for paperless medical records, electronic hospital fee payment and realization of smart hospitals.

Objective 3. Increase IT application in healthcare management, and deployment of electronic office systems, public service portals and electronic single-window information systems for administrative procedures, enhance online public services of level 3 and level 4, and develop smart healthcare administration.

Part 3

TASKS AND SOLUTIONS

1. Completing systems of economic - technical norms, standards, regulations and legislative documents

a) Developing and promulgating the e-healthcare architecture for planning of IT application in the healthcare sector.

b) Developing and promulgating regulations on healthcare identification numbers of Vietnamese citizens.

c) Developing and promulgating standards and regulations on the interlinking connection of software in the healthcare sector (software for management of commune-level medical stations, e-medical record software and e-health records software).

d) Developing and promulgating economic-technical norms for healthcare IT, incorporating the price of IT services into medical service price.

dd) Developing and promulgating regulations on management and use of the electronic general nomenclature in the healthcare sector.

e) Developing and promulgating the regulation on use of e-health records.

g) Developing and promulgating regulations on safety and security assurance; and assurance of healthcare information confidentiality on the internet.

h) Researching and developing regimes and policies for officials in charge of healthcare IT.

2. Developing healthcare IT infrastructure

a) Developing the national healthcare data center in a manner that ensures storage and management of concentrated healthcare data. To be specific:

- The Electronic Health Administration shall take charge and compile healthcare information to establish the national healthcare data center.

- Establishing at least a Tier 2 national healthcare data center according to regulations of the Ministry of Information and Communications.

- Ensuring the high-quality workforce for operating and utilizing big data for healthcare.

b) Establishing specialized healthcare data centers

Depending on the needs and the realities, healthcare facilities with specializations (e.g. cardiovascular medicine, pulmonology, oncology, obstetrics, pediatrics, etc.) shall develop projects on investment in establishment of big data centers for their specializations to serve as the basis for AI application and development.

c) Establishing Vietnamese DNA data centers

- Constructing modern and new-generation infrastructure to decipher the genetic code of Vietnamese people, contributing to research and healthcare activities of Hanoi Medical University and HCMC University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

- Applying advanced technologies such as big data and AI to develop and manage genetic databases.

- Ensuring the specialized workforce to utilize the genetic data for preventive healthcare and medical services.

d) Developing online healthcare data collection systems (health service bus).

dd) Implementing digitalization of documents of the healthcare sector.

e) Deploying information safety and security surveillance systems in the healthcare sector.

g) Upgrading IT systems of affiliates of the Ministry of Health.

h) Constructing and upgrading IT infrastructure of healthcare facilities.

i) Implementing digital signature and electronic signature systems in affiliates of the Ministry of Health and healthcare facilities.

3. Establishing smart healthcare and disease prevention systems, contributing to the deployment of the Vietnam Health Program

a) Developing and deploying the whole-people e-health records, which record and store summary of medical history throughout a person's lifetime according to the Decision No. 831/QD-BYT dated March 11, 2017 by the Minister of Health promulgating personal health record specimens for primary healthcare. Striving to ensure 95% of the people will have had e-health records by 2025.

b) Computerizing activities of medical stations: Developing and using software for management of medical station’s activities according to regulations of the Decision No. 6110/QD-BYT dated December 19, 2017 by the Minister of Health approving the scheme for computerization of healthcare at grassroots level, ensuring information connection and sharing with hospital’s information systems, e-health records, health insurance inspection and payment systems and e-medical statistics systems throughout the country.

c) Applying AI and smart technologies to preventive healthcare, the environment, food safety, nutrition and HIV/AIDS control and prevention. Prioritizing AI applications for epidemic surveillance and warning throughout the country.

d) Developing applications that are connected to the Vietnamese digital knowledge system and provide information on disease prevention, medical services and healthcare for the people, and information on healthcare facilities, doctors, medical services on websites and mobile phones to assist people with searching healthcare information easily, efficiently, promptly, anytime and anywhere.

dd) Developing smart applications that allow for provision of remote monitoring, assisting and healthcare services, and online connection between patients, health monitoring devices and health officials.

e) Applying AI to pharmaceutical research and manufacture.

4. Developing smart medical service systems

a) Completing software for hospital management and digitalization, including:

- Deploying HIS, LIS, RIS/PACS, EMR software systems that comply with domestic and international standards, ensuring data interlinking connection, sharing and integration as well as online connection with all available equipment in healthcare facilities (medical testing equipment, medical imaging equipment, interactive touch screens, hand-held medical devices, etc.) to enhance automation capability.

- Synchronizing medical identification numbers (“ID numbers”): the Ministry of Health shall consider using the health insurance numbers of people to assign ID numbers across the country.

- Developing “smart hospitals”: Healthcare facilities shall develop the roadmaps towards “smart hospitals” according to the Circular No. 54/2017/TT-BYT dated December 29, 2017 by the Ministry of Health on criteria for assessment of IT application at healthcare facilities (Level 6 of the Circular).

b) Deploying e-medical records in all healthcare facilities according to the roadmap specified in the Circular No. 46/2018/TT-BYT dated December 28, 2018 by the Ministry of Health prescribing electronic medical records, aiming towards paperless medical records and non-cash electronic hospital fee payment.

c) Building and developing information kiosks in hospitals.

d) Developing AI applications for medical services with priorities for the following areas:

- Development of connection standards for healthcare-related equipment according to IoMT, which serves as the basis for establishment of expert systems that assist with clinical decision-making.

- Development of systems assisting with clinical decision-making that closely cooperate in real time with e-health records.

- Medical imaging support.

- Surgery support.

- Encouraging enterprises and healthcare facilities to develop big data systems with fast analysis algorithms to support AI-based clinical decision-making.

- Medical analysis, treatment and prevention using traditional medicine.

- AI application in specializations such as medical imaging, cardiovascular medicine, pulmonology, oncology, obstetrics, pediatrics, etc.

5. Developing smart healthcare administration

a) Implementing e-healthcare administration, including:

- Deploying and completing IT applications in electronic management and operation, limiting paper use in affiliates of the Ministry of Health, Departments of Health and health units. Developing and applying e-transactions, e-verification and e-offices to such bodies and units.

- Completing online public service portals and electronic single-window information systems for administrative procedures in 2020. Increasingly developing and deploying online public services of the Ministry of Health in connection with the national single-window system and ASEAN single-window system, ensuring that 50% of the online public services of the Ministry of Health receive documents in quantity of level 3 and level 4 and such number will have risen to 100% by 2025.

b) Deploying e-medical statistics to collect data on activities of the healthcare sector across the country:

- Developing nationwide medical statistical software.

- Exchanging and interlinking data between medical statistical software and other software (software for commune-level healthcare management, e-health records and e-medical records).

- Deploying e-medical statistics throughout the country, striving for basic online medical statistics compilation by 2020.

- Establishing medical statistics databases which provide data for management and policy formulation of the health sector.

c) Completing the national healthcare databases, applying smart technologies to analyze healthcare data in a prompt and precise manner to support forecasts about health condition and diseases in the community, which assists with formulating suitable healthcare policies.

d) Establishing and developing information systems for management of health workforce.

dd) Establishing and developing information systems for drug management and supply, drug testing and technical standards of the pharmaceutical industry.

e) Establishing and developing information systems for management of medical equipment.

g) Establishing and developing information systems for management of healthcare facilities, deploying such systems on digital maps, which supports the people with finding suitable healthcare facilities more conveniently and easily.

h) Applying big data analysis and AI to improve clinical coding capacity.

6. Workforce development

a) For personnel in charge of IT:

- Developing the personnel in charge of IT at the Electronic Health Administration in suitable quantity and quality according to each position, meeting the requirements of smart healthcare deployment.

- Increasing training and refresher courses to improve qualifications of the personnel in charge of IT. Emphasis shall be placed on in-depth training and new technology introduction to produce “software engineers”, “system administrators” and “data scientists” capable of utilizing, managing, operating and developing IT systems of the health sector in the era of the fourth industrial revolution.

- Affiliates of the Ministry of Health and Departments of Health and healthcare facilities shall establish units specializing in IT or assign competent IT officials to assist heads of units with implementing IT activities in their units.

- Formulating incentive policies for IT officials and policies to attract high-quality IT workers to the healthcare sector.

b) Training officials:

Providing more training on efficient use of application software to officials, public employees and workers of the healthcare sector; Improving IT skills, ensuring safety and confidentiality in operation and utilization of infrastructure, and in daily operation of officials and public employees of the healthcare sector.

c) Developing networks of connection between training establishments, research institutes and centers and enterprises for smart healthcare development. Boosting training in healthcare IT in medical training establishments.

7. Promoting research, development and application of smart technologies in healthcare

- Encouraging individuals, enterprises and units to conduct scientific research on smart healthcare applications. Encouraging international cooperation in smart healthcare research and development.

- Prioritizing science and technology funding for smart healthcare research topics.

8. International cooperation

- Promoting international cooperation, visiting, learning and exchanging smart healthcare models, technologies and experience with other countries around the world. Organizing international seminars and forums to discuss and share about smart healthcare.

- Utilizing assistance from international organizations for smart healthcare development. Encouraging foreign investment in smart healthcare in Vietnam.

9. Smart healthcare promotion and education

- Raising the awareness of the roles and benefits of smart healthcare of healthcare facilities, authorities, enterprises and the community; promoting the meaning and roles of healthcare IT on mass media.

- Employing direct and online support channels to provide support to enterprises and the community when they use online medical services.

- Organizing events on smart healthcare to provide information and attract the attention of enterprises and the community.

- Commending and rewarding organizations and individuals with achievements in smart healthcare development.

Part 4

IMPLEMENTATION

1. The Electronic Health Administration shall:

- Take charge in developing and proposing annual plans for implementation of the Scheme for promulgation; organize inspection and evaluation of implementation of the Scheme.

- Take charge and cooperate with relevant units in formulating legislative documents and healthcare IT standards and regulations; carry out e-health records, e-medical statistics, level 3 and level 4 systems of online public services and administrative modernization in affiliates of the Ministry of Health.

- Take charge in establishing national healthcare data facilities and healthcare data centers.

- Providing guidelines to healthcare facilities on employment of e-medical records, aiming towards non-cash electronic hospital fee payment and paperless medical records.

2. The Department of Planning and Finance shall:

- Take charge and cooperate with the Electronic Health Administration in formulating financial policies and regimes for healthcare IT application and development.

- Take charge in reviewing and modifying the lists of healthcare criteria, specimens and statistical reports at all levels. Cooperate with the Electronic Health Administration in implementing e-medical statistics. Employ the national healthcare database to dump the data for planning and management of the healthcare sector.

- Advising the Minister on funding allocation to ensure the funding for implementation of the projects and tasks of the Scheme.

3. Office of the Ministry of Health shall:

- Take charge in upgrading the electronic document management software of the Ministry of Health and integrating digital signatures in document promulgation, aiming for paperless administration.

 - Cooperate with the Electronic Health Administration in implementing the online public service portal and the electronic single-window system for administrative procedures in affiliates of the Ministry of Health.

- Cooperating with the Electronic Health Administration in developing and performing the tasks of administrative modernization and smart health administration in affiliates of the Ministry of Health.

4. The General Department of Preventive Medicine shall:

- Take charge in deploying smart healthcare IT applications and AI applications in preventive healthcare and epidemic surveillance and warning throughout the country.

- Cooperate with the Electronic Health Administration in deploying smart preventive healthcare and healthcare.

5. The Medical Service Administration shall:

- Take charge and cooperate with the Maternal and Child Health Department, Traditional Medicine Administration and relevant units in reviewing and completing regulations concerning medical records and medical history of patients for the purpose of post-treatment electronic health record documentation.

- Cooperate with the Electronic Health Administration in deploying smart medical services.

6. The Administration of Science Technology and Training shall:

- Manage the research, experimental manufacture and transfer of smart healthcare technologies such as robots, nanorobots, biotechnology, etc.

- Cooperate with the Electronic Health Administration and relevant authorities and units in organizing training courses for officials to improve their capacity for management, operation and use of information systems.

7. The General Office for Population and Family Planning and its affiliates and the Ministry Inspectorate shall:

Formulate plans and employ smart healthcare IT application and development in their units and in-charge areas on the basis of their functions and assigned tasks.

8. Hanoi Medical University and HCMC University of Medicine and Pharmacy shall:

Take charge and cooperate with relevant units in building the Vietnamese DNA data center as prescribed by law.

9. Departments of Health shall:

Proactively formulate schemes for development of smart healthcare IT in their provinces according to contents of the Scheme, propose such schemes to Chairpersons of provincial People's Committees for approval and implement such schemes after approval is granted.

Advise and propose to provincial People’s Committees establishment of steering committees for implementation of the Scheme. The heads of such committees shall be Chairpersons of provincial People's Committees and the full-time deputy heads shall be heads of Departments of Health.

10. Health units of other Ministries and regulatory bodies and other health units shall:

- Proactively apply IT, AI and smart technologies within the meaning of this Scheme.

- Prioritize funding for application and development of IT in health units.

Part 5

SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS

The implementation of the Scheme will bring about smart healthcare and disease prevention systems that assist the people in actively preventing diseases, easily accessing healthcare information and receiving prompt and effective healthcare support and consultancy.

The new smart medical service systems will provide advanced and high-quality medical services to the people in a more convenient way; save time and money, and limit risks and complications during treatment; help alleviate hospital overload, and create the image of civilized, modern and dedicating hospitals. Hospital information is also managed and provided in a fast, effective and convenient manner.

The smart healthcare administration systems will assist health authorities with promptly issuing decisions and policies via their ability to analyze big data, manage and monitor the performance of medical service networks across the country, improve the ability to respond to unanticipated events such as epidural catheter, share new treatment methods and carry out remote training, which enables Vietnam’s healthcare system to interlink and integrate with the world.

 With the realization of the smart healthcare system, the image and quality of Vietnam’s medical services will improve and so will the trust of the people and enterprises towards medical services, aiming for a modern, quality, equal, efficient and internationally integrated healthcare system in Vietnam.

APPENDIX

LIST OF PRIORITIZED TASKS OF THE SCHEME FOR APPLICATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SMART HEALTHCARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR THE 2019 - 2025 PERIOD
(Enclosed with the Decision No. 4888/QD-BYT dated October 18, 2019 by the Minister of Health)