Hanoi, 21–22 March 2025: ERIA participated in the ‘Vietnam – Japan Medical Science Forum’ organised by the 108 Military Central Hospital on 21–22 March 2025. The forum, aimed at strengthening ongoing and future medical collaboration between the two countries, brought together representatives from the 108 Military Central Hospital and the Embassy of Japan in Viet Nam, prominent professors from several medical schools in Japan, ERIA Healthcare experts, and representatives of Medical Excellence Japan (MEJ).

On the first day, Prof. Le Huu Song, Director of the 108 Military Central Hospital, welcomed the delegations and expressed heartfelt gratitude for the 50 years of continuous cooperation between the two countries, particularly in medicine and healthcare.

Dr Manami Uechi, Director of Healthcare Services at ERIA, introduced the organisation and its Medical Excellence in Asia (MEX) initiative. She also outlined Medical Excellence Viet Nam’s (MEV) activities and various related accomplishments under the MEV–MEJ project since 2023. In recognition of ERIA's dedication and commitment to fostering collaboration and partnership in the healthcare sector, Dr Uechi presented a commemorative plaque to the 108 Military Central Hospital – one of Viet Nam’s leading academic and clinical research centres – as a symbol of the shared visions and mutual efforts to enhance public health initiatives and improve the quality of life for the Vietnamese people.

The second day’s agenda began with the 108 Institute of Clinical Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences’ annual scientific conference. Distinguished speakers, including visiting professors from Japan, Germany, and Australia, shared their invaluable research with hundreds of participants. Dr Pham Nguyen Quy, ERIA’s Expert Consultant for MEV, presented recent progress and future perspectives on advanced gastric cancer treatment in Japan. He also discussed the endoscopy collaboration programme between Vietnamese and Japanese doctors.

During an interval session, ERIA and MEJ engaged in discussions with the Director of 108 Military Central Hospital regarding potential collaborations in the near future. Dr Kenji Shibuya, CEO of MEJ, emphasised how his organisation supports the promotion of public-private partnerships in healthcare. The late afternoon session ended with a productive discussion with His Excellency Naoki Ito, Ambassador of Japan to Viet Nam. The conversation focused on strengthening the cooperation in capacity building of healthcare professionals between the 108 Military Central Hospital and Japanese medical universities, as well as exploring the potential establishment of a Viet Nam–Japan Medical Research Centre at the hospital.

Related links:

1. 108th National Hospital: Promoting medical cooperation between Vietnam and Japan to go further
2. https://benhvien108.vn/tin-tuc-su-kien/buoc-tien-vuot-bac-trong-nghien-cuu-khoa-hoc-tai-benh-vien-trung-uong-quan-doi-108.htm
3. https://benhvien108.vn/tin-noi-bat/dai-su-nhat-ban-ito-naoki-nghien-cuu-xay-dung-trung-tam-y-hoc-viet-nam-%E2%80%93-nhat-ban-tai-benh-vien-twqd-108.htm