Panelists discuss the future of clinical trials in Vietnam in HCM City on May 20. — Vietnam News
HO CHI MINH CITY: Vietnam’s clinical trials industry has the potential to become a regional hub if some big challenges are addressed through strategic reforms, experts say.
They were speaking at the launch of the Roadmap to the Future of Clinical Trials in Vietnam report by Pharma Group in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday.
Launched in collaboration with KPMG and Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, the report offers a comprehensive analysis of the country’s clinical research landscape and suggests actionable strategies to position Vietnam among Asean’s top three clinical trial and research and development destinations by 2030, identifying key opportunities, barriers and actions to unlock clinical research potential for both economic and health-related gains.
Over the past two decades, Vietnam has made sustained investments in expanding healthcare access and strengthening its public health system, achieving universal health insurance coverage for 95% of its population.
As it transitions to higher-quality care, innovation has emerged as a key priority, with clinical trials identified as a strategic pathway forward.
It has recently intensified efforts to enhance investment and implement policy reforms in this field.
Notably, last December, the Politburo issued a resolution outlining a commitment to developing domestic innovation capabilities and allocating 2% of gross domestic product to research.
According to the report, with a population exceeding 100 million, Vietnam offers vast potential for clinical research.
Its diverse population is well-suited for studying complex diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, infectious diseases, and metabolic conditions.
These inherent advantages, moreover, are further strengthened by government initiatives to improve the business environment, which are increasingly attracting global pharmaceutical companies and contract research organisations.
Darrell Oh, chairman of Pharma Group, said: “Clinical trials represent Vietnam’s next frontier for healthcare research advancement.
“From the innovative pharmaceutical industry’s perspective, Vietnam possesses strong potential to emerge as a competitive regional destination for clinical research.
“Realising this ambition will require prioritised policies and initiatives that attract and facilitate clinical trial investments – particularly in early-stage trials.
“Such dedicated efforts and multi-stakeholder collaboration would unlock a multitude of economic, scientific, and health benefits, including: stimulating high-value research activity through infrastructure development and skilled job creation, strengthening Vietnam’s healthcare innovation ecosystem while creating cross-sector economic spillovers,” Oh said. — Viet Nam News/ANN
