Construction work has officially begun on the second International Centre of Hue Central Hospital in Hue, Vietnam.
The milestone was marked by a ground-breaking ceremony, led by Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on 6 April.
The approximately 21,000m² centre is being established to address the growing need for advanced medical examinations and treatments.
This new six-storey building represents a nearly VND400bn ($16m) investment to enhance medical services for both local and international patients.
Upon completion, the facility will feature a full suite of modern medical equipment, including hybrid operating rooms, an artificial kidney system, a full automation testing system, a comprehensive imaging diagnostic system integrated with PACS, LIS and HIS, along with synchronous technical infrastructure.
All these upgrades will increase the hospital's capacity to meet the needs of an additional 300 beds while adhering to international standards.
Hue Central Hospital, founded in 1894, is said to be Vietnam's first Western medicine hospital.
Over its 130-year history, it has grown into a special-class hospital with three facilities, more than 5,000 beds, and around 4,100 employees.
The new project is expected to be completed within 700 days from the start of construction work.
Vietnam Deputy Health Minister noted that the government and the Ministry of Health have chosen Hue Central Hospital for further upgrades to achieve international-class hospital status.
The hospital's strategic location in the city of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will offer convenient transportation links, positioning the hospital as a potential hub for healthcare tourism.
Annually, Hue Central Hospital serves nearly one million patients and performs close to 50,000 surgeries, including almost 2,000 organ transplants.
The hospital's phase two expansion is also in line with the Politburo's Resolution No. 54 of 2019 and the Prime Minister's Decision No. 201 in 2024, which approve the Health Network Planning for 2021-2030, envisioning a future up to 2050.
This development is projected to elevate Hue Central Hospital as an international brand and a key medical centre in South-East Asia.
