{"id":4594,"date":"2023-07-29T08:29:28","date_gmt":"2023-07-29T08:29:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.riskinasia.com\/?p=4594"},"modified":"2023-08-20T07:06:38","modified_gmt":"2023-08-20T07:06:38","slug":"is-thomson-medical-groups-purchase-of-fv-hospital-in-ho-chi-minh-city-a-boost-for-expat-healthcare-in-vietnam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.riskinasia.com\/is-thomson-medical-groups-purchase-of-fv-hospital-in-ho-chi-minh-city-a-boost-for-expat-healthcare-in-vietnam\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Thomson Medical Group’s Purchase of FV Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City a Boost for Expat Healthcare in Vietnam?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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The healthcare sector in Vietnam has faced significant challenges in recent years, including corruption scandals that rocked the Ministry of Health and a lack of world-class medical facilities. However, there seems to be a glimmer of hope with Thomson Medical Group’s (TMG)<\/a> acquisition of FV Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. This move has sparked discussions about its potential impact on the quality of healthcare, particularly for the expat community in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Bit of History on World-Class Healthcare Providers Since 2003<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Over the past two decades, the demand for world-class healthcare services has been on the rise globally. Countries like Singapore and Thailand have become medical tourism hubs, attracting patients from around the world seeking top-notch medical treatments and facilities<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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These countries have invested heavily in their healthcare infrastructure, attracting renowned healthcare providers and specialists from various fields. Since 2003, they have set a benchmark for the region, offering high-quality medical care and advanced treatment options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FV Hospital: The Only International Standard Hospital?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Despite the growth of the healthcare sector in Vietnam, FV Hospital remains the only international standard hospital in the country. This lack of competition has allowed FV Hospital to dominate the market, securing its position as the go-to destination for expats seeking quality medical care. Without other international-standard facilities, FV Hospital has enjoyed a favorable position with no level playing field, which has affected the overall healthcare landscape in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Real Level of Healthcare in Vietnam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Over the past 20 years, Vietnam’s healthcare system has made progress but still faces significant challenges. While FV Hospital has been a reputable name, it alone cannot represent the entire healthcare system. The reality is that healthcare in Vietnam, especially outside of FV Hospital and Vinmec, has not reached the same level of international standards seen in neighboring countries like Singapore. This raises questions about the true quality of healthcare available to the general population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Healthcare System vs. Competitive Market Forces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The healthcare sector in Vietnam has been facing challenges due to government interventions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and the exposure of corruption across the country’s provinces. These issues have affected the overall functioning of the healthcare system and have also impacted private healthcare providers’ operations, like Vinmec hospitals. Additionally, the lack of significant government support for the private healthcare sector has hindered its growth and expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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TMG’s High-Value Purchase of FV Hospital<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thomson Medical Group’s decision to acquire FV Hospital at a high price, valued at 16.8 times EBITDA, raises eyebrows. The uncertainty surrounding the value of this purchase is a topic of discussion. However, TMG’s expertise in the Women and Children’s Hospital domain could potentially bring much-needed specialization to FV Hospital, enhancing the overall healthcare services offered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Step towards Excellence or Medical Tourism Hub?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With TMG’s acquisition of FV Hospital, there is hope that the healthcare sector in Vietnam may be heading towards excellence. The potential focus on specialized areas like Women and Children’s healthcare could improve the overall medical services and attract medical tourists seeking specialized treatments. However, for Vietnam to become a true medical tourism hub, significant investments and improvements across various medical specialties will be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Finding the Best Hospital for Your Medical Needs in Vietnam in 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>