Thong Nhat General Hospital marks its 70th anniversary

On April 24, Thong Nhat General Hospital solemnly held a ceremony marking its 70th anniversary (1956–2026). Le Truong Son, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee; Nguyen Son Hung, former Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee; Luu Thi Ha, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee; along with leaders of departments, agencies, sectors, the Dong Nai Department of Health, former hospital leaders, and the hospital’s staff attended the ceremony.

Le Truong Son, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, delivers remarks at the ceremony. Photo: Hanh Dung

Le Truong Son, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, presents flowers to congratulate the hospital. Photo: Hanh Dung

Established in 1956, Thong Nhat General Hospital originated from a medical facility built by the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God. Over many years of hardship and challenges, generations of physicians have remained steadfast in their profession, upholding medical ethics and maintaining their commitment. In 1979, the hospital was nationalized, marking the beginning of a new phase of development. Since then, it has continued to grow steadily, becoming a Grade I general hospital at the specialized technical level, while playing a core role in the local medical examination, treatment, and public healthcare system.

The Board of Directors of the Dong Nai Department of Health presents flowers to congratulate the hospital. Photo: Hanh Dung

Recognizing and highly appreciating the hospital’s outstanding achievements in recent years, Do Thi Nguyen, Director of the Dong Nai Department of Health, stated that its classification as a grade I specialized hospital clearly reflects its capacity, position, and appropriate development direction. Particularly during challenging periods, most notably the severe outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the hospital demonstrated resilience, unity, proactiveness, and creativity. By mobilizing maximum resources, it successfully fulfilled assigned tasks, thereby contributing to spreading the noble image of healthcare professionals. The Department of Health, she affirmed, will continue to accompany, support, and create favorable conditions for the hospital to develop sustainably and remain a leading unit of the Dong Nai health sector.

Le Truong Son, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, presents certificates of merit to collectives with outstanding achievements. Photo: Hanh Dung

Le Truong Son, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, awards certificates of merit from the Provincial People’s Committee to individuals. Photo: Hanh Dung

In his remarks, Le Truong Son, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, emphasized that the 70th anniversary takes place at a particularly significant moment, as the National Assembly has just adopted the resolution on the establishment of Dong Nai City, effective from April 30, 2026. To meet the expectations of a modern and civilized urban center, he stressed, Thong Nhat General Hospital should focus on elevating its professional capacity and developing specialized centers. Priority should be given to high-tech fields such as oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, and intensive care, thereby gradually forming specialized treatment centers that can lead to professional expertise in the region.

At the same time, the hospital should step up the application of science and technology while implementing comprehensive digital transformation across all aspects of management and medical services, and developing a smart hospital model to optimize processes and enhance patient satisfaction and experience. In addition, infrastructure needs to be upgraded in a synchronized and modern manner, particularly through the construction of high-tech facility blocks and the acquisition of advanced equipment. Hospital governance, moreover, requires continued reform toward a more modern and efficient model, one that is closely aligned with greater autonomy. Special priority should be given to attracting, training, and “retaining” highly qualified doctors and leading experts. Equally important is the need to build a healthcare environment that is professional and disciplined yet deeply humane.

By 2030, the hospital is expected to proactively develop a comprehensive master plan that clearly defines its objectives and an implementation roadmap. This endeavor will serve as a basis for the Provincial People’s Committee to consider and prioritize capital allocation within the medium-term public investment plan for 2025–2030, particularly for urgent projects, thereby ensuring long-term and sustainable development.

The Dong Nai Department of Health presents certificates of merit to collectives and individuals. Photo: Hanh Dung

Leaders of the Department of Health and Thong Nhat General Hospital express gratitude to former leaders and departments over the years. Photo: Hanh Dung

On this occasion, MSc. Dr. Tu Thanh Chuong, former Director of the Department of Health and former Director of Thong Nhat General Hospital, together with PhD. Dr. Pham Van Dung, former Director of the hospital, shared emotional reflections, expressing their confidence in the hospital’s continued development in the new phase.

Delegates take commemorative photos at the ceremony. Photo: Hanh Dung

Many collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements were also awarded certificates of merit from the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee and commendations from the Department of Health in celebration of the hospital's 70th anniversary.

By Hanh Dung – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho