SAGOMED Participates in the Webinar “Exporting Health Tech to Vietnam”: Strategic Perspectives on the Future of Vietnam’s Healthcare

On 19 November 2025, SAGOMED participated in the international webinar “Exporting Health Tech to Vietnam – Opportunities for UK Companies”, featuring speakers from KPMG, OMC Medical, TPP, and the UK Consulate. The event explored Vietnam’s medical device landscape, key healthtech trends, and collaboration opportunities for global companies.

KPMG: Rising NCDs and the Urgency for Healthcare System Transformation

In the opening presentation, KPMG highlighted three major trends significantly shaping Vietnam’s healthcare sector:

1. Rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)

Rates of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer are increasing rapidly, driving treatment costs far higher than acute conditions. Budget pressures and hospital overload—especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City—are becoming more evident.

2. Healthcare expenditure outpacing economic growth

While household income is rising, healthcare spending is growing much faster, requiring hospitals and health systems to improve operational efficiency.

3. Digital transformation and AI becoming essential

EMR/HIS systems are being implemented widely; telemedicine, PACS/RIS, and AI diagnostic solutions are increasingly adopted. According to KPMG, this is a prime window for advanced technologies to support hospital workload reduction and treatment optimization.

SAGOMED & HMEA: Rapid Market Growth and Expanding Opportunities for HealthTech

Ms. Hiền Cầm – CEO of SAGOMED and Vice President of HMEA – provided a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s medical device market and the factors contributing to its appeal.

A fast-growing market with strong import dependence

• Market size: approx. USD 1.6 billion, growing 8–9% annually, projected to reach USD 2.5 billion by 2030.
• About 90% of medical devices in Vietnam are imported, while public hospitals—holding 94% of total beds—remain chronically overloaded.

Four key market drivers for 2026–2030:

• Population aging and rising NCD burden
• Expansion and upgrading of healthcare facilities nationwide
• Strong digital transformation: EMR, HIS, PACS/RIS, AI
• Rising healthcare spending and the growth of medical tourism

Five high-growth device segments:

• Imaging (CT, MRI, DR, Ultrasound + PACS/RIS)
• ICU & IVD
• OR & CSSD
• Cardiology & Rehabilitation
• Digital Health & AI Solutions

Recommendations for international manufacturers:

Ms. Hiền emphasized the importance of selecting a strong MA Holder & distributor, focusing on solutions aligned with real clinical needs, and competing through clinical value—not just brand recognition. Investment in training, demonstrations, and building reference sites is critical.
“Long-term commitment” is the defining factor for foreign companies seeking success in Vietnam.

OMC Medical: Clarifying Vietnam’s Regulatory Pathway for Medical Devices and Digital Solutions

OMC Medical outlined key components of Decree 98/2021, particularly around device classification and requirements for SaMD and AI-driven healthcare solutions. Mandatory criteria include:

• Algorithm transparency and validation
• Compliance with local data storage regulations
• Cybersecurity and system safety requirements
• Compatibility with EMR/HIS platforms

These regulations form the essential foundation for international manufacturers seeking product registration in Vietnam.

TPP (UK): Vietnam Is Ready for Large-Scale Digital Health Systems

TPP shared its experience implementing EMR and digital health platforms in Vietnam, highlighting three factors for success:

• Approaches tailored to Vietnamese hospital workflows
• Solutions adapted to local regulations
• Close partnership with local stakeholders and real-world pilot deployments

TPP affirmed that Vietnam demonstrates strong absorption capacity for digital health when solutions are introduced systematically and properly localized.

Vietnam Enters a Golden Phase for HealthTech Development

Speakers agreed that Vietnam is undergoing significant transformation: rising demand for high-quality healthcare, widespread digitalization, and a medical technology ecosystem with substantial room for advancement.

SAGOMED reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with both domestic and international partners to foster sustainable cooperation models, contributing to the development of a modern, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare system.