The Politburo’s Resolution No.72-NQ/TW, issued on September 9, 2025, introduces new opportunities through supportive policies and more flexible mechanisms, creating strong momentum for private healthcare to raise its standards and widen service access.

With a child suffering from chronic respiratory issues, instead of going to public hospitals, Nguyễn Thị Lành from Thanh An commune often takes her child to Minh Giang General Clinic for check-ups and monitoring. Part of her decision comes from its proximity and ease of travel; the other part is the quick and streamlined services, which help her save time. She shared that for common illnesses, her family prefers private clinics because they are more convenient and faster. According to her, service quality at private clinics today is reliable, giving families peace of mind. Each visit includes attentive guidance and a smooth examination process.

Although holding health insurance at the provincial General Hospital, Trần Văn Nam from Điện Biên Phủ ward still chooses private clinics for routine check-ups. He noted that private facilities often operate beyond regular office hours, allowing patients to manage their schedules more easily. Moreover, instead of waiting in long queues, he can get examined quickly and conveniently. With services that meet his needs, he feels reassured when opting for private facilities for regular health monitoring.

According to the Department of Health, nearly 200 private medical facilities in the province are licensed to operate. In practice, for common ailments, many residents prefer private clinics due to their convenience and flexible hours. The growing diversity of private healthcare providers has created a healthy competitive environment, pushing the entire sector to improve treatment quality, adopt patient friendly service approaches, and introduce more convenient payment options.

Notably, many clinics have invested in advanced equipment, expanded diagnostic services, and applied digital management solutions to ensure faster and more accurate examinations. Patients using private healthcare services are eligible for health insurance reimbursements within the regulated benefit list.

Minh Giang General Clinic in Mường Thanh ward, despite only starting operations in February 2025, has invested in a range of advanced technologies, including a 32 slice CT scanner, a 0.3 Tesla MRI machine, a 5D ultrasound system with quantitative liver elastography for assessing liver fibrosis and liver steatosis, and a digital DR X-ray system capable of supporting minimally invasive techniques for benign thyroid tumors, breast tumor removal using vacuum assisted biopsy, laser treatment for varicose veins, and modern dental implant procedures. Patients receive support from reception through examination and post visit consultation.

Nguyễn Văn Xuân, representative of Minh Giang General Clinic, said that investing in modern equipment and expanding high tech services aligns with Resolution 72, which highlights the role of private healthcare in protecting and improving public health. The resolution provides motivation for private facilities to invest more confidently, refine management models, standardize professional processes, and enhance service quality.

Beyond supporting facilities already offering health insurance covered services, Resolution 72 also benefits private clinics that have not yet signed insurance reimbursement contracts. These clinics can independently set service lists, pricing, and operational models based on market demand, developing specialized packages, fast track services, or on-demand examinations - options increasingly favored by patients for their convenience. Without the administrative burden of insurance reimbursement procedures, clinics can streamline paperwork, reduce wait times, and invest more flexibly in equipment and digital solutions such as electronic records or online appointments.

Policies encouraging healthcare socialization under Resolution 72 are opening opportunities for clinics without insurance contracts to gradually upgrade their capacities and work toward signing insurance agreements once eligible. This pathway helps clinics expand their client base and strengthen their reputation within the local healthcare system.

Đỗ Việt Hùng, representative of Việt Hùng Aesthetic Dentistry in Điện Biên Phủ ward, shared that the new policy directions create a more open environment for private providers to develop high quality healthcare services. In dentistry, proactive investment in modern technologies and flexible treatment packages allows them to better meet growing public demand, especially among young clients seeking aesthetic services. With clearer and more consistent policies, private facilities can invest long term, upgrade equipment, and expand services with greater confidence.

The issuance of Resolution 72 has created favorable conditions for private healthcare to develop in the right direction. Facilities now operate with more administrative flexibility, enabling investment in modern equipment and expanded technical services aligned with their capacities. Licensing, renewal, and service expansion procedures have been streamlined, saving both time and cost. Policies encouraging cooperation between public and private sectors also enable clinics to access advanced expertise, adopt new techniques, and raise treatment quality.

Clear roadmaps for healthcare socialization have boosted investor confidence, encouraging deeper private sector participation in the health system. As more private facilities develop high-tech services locally, residents gain access to quality healthcare without needing to travel far, relieving pressure on higher level hospitals. This presents an opportunity for private healthcare to leverage its strengths and affirm its role in protecting community health in the new context.