tl;dr
Vietnam is integrating electronic prescriptions into its VNeID digital identity platform, allowing patients to order medicines online without hospital visits. The Ministry of Public Security will lead the integration, focusing on interoperability among pharmacies, health data systems, and hospitals....
Vietnam is set to revolutionize its health sector by integrating electronic prescriptions into the national VNeID digital identity platform. This cutting-edge move will enable patients to order medicines online and receive them without hospital visits, enhancing convenience and accessibility. The Ministry of Public Security will spearhead this integration, focusing on interoperability across pharmacy networks, the health data coordination system, and hospital-issued prescriptions. A pilot project is slated to begin in September to test the system’s effectiveness.
The digital rollout plan is aggressive: by October 1, all hospitals must issue outpatient prescriptions digitally, with other medical facilities joining in 2026. The VNeID app is already expanding its healthcare functions, offering users tools like electronic check-up books, appointment reminders, and a pharmacy directory for non-prescription drugs. However, concerns linger about potential app overload and risks of drug misuse from home deliveries lacking medical supervision.
Since its launch, VNeID has seen rapid adoption, recently extending access to foreigners, which spiked digital ID applications. Vietnam is embracing emerging technologies widely, tapping blockchain across sectors to streamline operations.
Amidst this technological momentum, the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency (YNA) have forged a partnership centered on artificial intelligence (AI). Signed during the Vietnam-RoK Economic Forum, this alliance aims to enhance AI-driven journalism, including AI-powered translations and fact-checking to combat fake news. They also plan collaboration on regional data sets, AI content tagging, personalized news delivery, and shared cloud infrastructure. Capacity building and ethical AI use are priority areas, emphasizing reduced bias and responsible content generation.
South Korea leads the region in AI innovation, backed by significant government investment, while Vietnam is making substantial strides through targeted sector integrations and talent development programs. Both countries demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing digital transformation, with AI at the forefront of their future strategies.