MoH Urges Hospitals to Accelerate Electronic Medical Records

Why It Matters

Full EMR adoption will boost clinical efficiency, data accuracy, and patient outcomes while positioning Vietnam’s health system for future AI‑driven care and international interoperability.

Key Takeaways

• Deadline set for full EMR rollout by Dec 31, 2026
• Paper records to be eliminated nationwide by 2027
• Over 75% of hospitals have begun EMR adoption
• MoH mandates resource prioritization and direct accountability
• Quality gaps persist, prompting stricter oversight and guidelines

Pulse Analysis

Vietnam’s health sector is entering a decisive phase of digital transformation, driven by a series of legislative measures that culminate in the MoH’s latest directive. The new Document No.04/CT-BYT aligns with the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment, Politburo Resolution 72‑NQ/TW, and Circular 13/2025/TT‑BYT, creating a unified regulatory framework that obliges every public and private hospital to transition to electronic medical records. By setting a firm deadline of December 31, 2026 for full implementation and a 2027 cut‑off for paper records, the ministry signals that EMR adoption is no longer optional but a strategic imperative for modernizing Vietnam’s healthcare infrastructure.

Despite the ambitious timeline, the rollout faces practical challenges. Although more than three‑quarters of hospitals have announced EMR projects, the MoH reports uneven execution, with many facilities lagging in data quality, staff training, and system integration. To address these gaps, the ministry has tasked provincial health departments and the National Centre for Health Information with resource allocation, guideline refinement, and progress monitoring. Hospitals are now required to conduct internal audits, develop detailed implementation plans, and secure funding, ensuring that the transition does not compromise patient care or operational stability.

The accelerated EMR mandate carries significant implications for the broader health‑tech ecosystem. Vendors offering cloud‑based platforms, interoperability solutions, and emerging technologies such as blockchain‑secured records—exemplified by INFOMED Vietnam’s recent US patent—stand to benefit from heightened demand. Moreover, a fully digitized health data environment will enable advanced analytics, telemedicine expansion, and cross‑border data exchange, positioning Vietnam as a regional leader in digital health. Stakeholders that align early with the MoH’s standards are likely to capture market share and drive the next wave of innovation in patient‑centric care.