The current state of healthcare professionals’ salaries in Vietnam, particularly for newly graduated doctors, raises significant concerns. Vo Duc Hieu, the deputy director of the HCM City Oncology Hospital, has shed light on this pressing issue, highlighting that the starting salary for new graduates stands at approximately VND 4.2 million a month. This figure not only reflects stagnation in salary growth but also begs the question of sustainability for young practitioners entering a demanding field.
Becoming a doctor is no small feat; it requires extensive training spanning six years at university, two years longer than most other disciplines. Graduates then face an additional 18 months of practical training to qualify for basic practice. The journey doesn’t end there, as many choose to specialize further, requiring ongoing education and training. This commitment to lifelong learning is both admirable and essential, yet it also adds layers of financial burden on young doctors who are already navigating a tight budget.
In a candid acknowledgment of the situation, Hieu stated, “With the current starting pay, doctors don’t have an income high enough to cover their basic needs,” calling for a reassessment of the starting salary for healthcare professionals. This sentiment resonates widely among practitioners, emphasizing that a rethink of financial compensation is crucial for fostering a more supportive environment for new talent in the healthcare sector.
Further contributing to the discussion is Phan Minh Hoang, the director of the Occupational Disease Treatment and Rehabilitation Hospital. Hoang articulates that the pay scales in public medical units are starkly inadequate, serving to disincentivize potential healthcare workers. The existing framework for minimum wage and wage coefficients fails to represent the real value of the work performed by medical staff. This disconnect highlights a crucial need for salary reforms that not only acknowledge the high qualifications required for healthcare roles but also ensure a viable standard of living for those within the profession.
Hoang strongly advocates for an increase in basic wages, suggesting that compensation must be aligned with contemporary living costs. The healthcare sector’s special nature—demanding high professional standards and meticulous attention to detail—requires tailored policies that recognize these unique challenges. It’s essential that public sector wages reflect the positions held and responsibilities undertaken, while also maintaining fairness in comparison to the private sector.
Another pressing issue faced by hospitals is the financial management of health insurance funds. As Vu Tri Thanh, deputy director of Thu Duc City Hospital, explains, hospitals operating under a financial autonomy model must generate revenue sufficient to meet their expenses. However, an increase in patient numbers does not always equate to greater financial security. Hospitals frequently grapple with delays or failures in receiving payments from health insurance funds after providing services, which creates significant pressure on their operational budgets. This situation can undermine hospitals’ abilities to pay staff, make necessary purchases, and invest in expansions.
The implications of these challenges are far-reaching, affecting both hospital performance and patient care. When hospitals lack the financial resources to invest in medical equipment or staff training, the quality of care can be compromised. Addressing these systemic issues is vital for the overall health of the industry and, by extension, the population it serves.
As the conversation around healthcare salaries and operational funding continues, it is crucial for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue that prioritizes both the well-being of healthcare workers and the quality of care provided to patients. With a thoughtful approach to compensation and financial management, there exists the potential for significant improvements in Vietnam’s healthcare landscape.
Linh Giao