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| City leaders visit the new-generation 3.0 Tesla SIGNA Pioneer MRI system at Hue Central Hospital |
Mastering Advanced Medical Technologies
Many patients in Central Vietnam now have greater access to advanced medical services locally, instead of traveling to major hospitals in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. This is the result of Hue Central Hospital's recent deployment of several new medical technologies and state-of-the-art equipment.
Recently, the hospital officially launched a new-generation 3.0 Tesla SIGNA Pioneer MRI system. This whole-body MRI scanner, manufactured in the United States in 2025, is equipped with advanced technologies that enhance image quality and shorten examination times. The system is capable of acquiring high-resolution images, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy.
According to Prof. Dr. Pham Nhu Hiep, Director of the hospital, the deployment of this system not only enables earlier detection of many complex diseases but also supports personalized treatment, a key direction in modern medicine. Notably, the scanner provides advanced diagnostic capabilities across multiple specialties, including neurology, cardiology, oncology, musculoskeletal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and vascular diseases. It also meets the demands of highly specialized applications such as whole-body cancer screening, stroke diagnosis, prostate disease assessment, and breast cancer detection.
The introduction of the new MRI system has significantly strengthened the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities, particularly in the fields of neurology, cardiovascular medicine, oncology, and musculoskeletal disorders. With improved image quality and shorter examination times, physicians have more information to detect diseases at an earlier stage and select the most appropriate treatment strategies for patients.
After just over a month of operation, dozens of patients have already benefited from the new system, which has enabled the detection of complex conditions that conventional imaging equipment may not identify. “I had previously undergone an MRI scan on an older machine, so I was quite anxious because the procedure took a long time and the space was confined. However, with this modern MRI system, the scan was faster, more comfortable, and provided accurate results, which gave me greater peace of mind,” said Nguyen Thi An, a resident of Dong Ha Ward, Quang Tri Province.
Beyond diagnostic imaging, Hue Central Hospital has also expanded the use of robot-assisted technology in advanced surgical procedures. Recently, the hospital introduced and demonstrated the Real Intelligence CORI robotic joint replacement system, developed by Smith & Nephew (USA).
The CORI robotic system enables surgeons to accurately assess each patient’s unique anatomical structure, develop a personalized surgical plan, and optimize the positioning of joint implants. During the procedure, the robot provides real-time guidance and highly precise control, helping to minimize surgical error and improve postoperative recovery outcomes.
Expanding Infrastructure and Advancing Toward International Standards
As a special-class hospital under the Ministry of Health, Hue Central Hospital currently operates more than 5,300 beds, with 16 specialized centers and 104 clinical and sub-clinical departments. However, in response to the growing demand for healthcare services, the hospital continues to identify infrastructure development as a key priority in its next phase of growth.
Under its 2026–2030 development strategy, Hue Central Hospital is accelerating several major projects aimed at expanding its capacity to receive and treat patients. Among these, the Phase II expansion of Campus 2 in Phong Thai Ward will enhance patient capacity and support the development of highly specialized medical services. Besides, the hospital is implementing a High-Tech Radiation Therapy Center project in Thuan Hoa Ward, along with several other key infrastructure initiatives. Once completed, the center will significantly strengthen the hospital’s cancer treatment capabilities, meet the growing healthcare needs of people in the Central - Central Highlands regions, and help reduce the burden on oncology centers in major cities.
As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise across the Central - Central Highlands regions - particularly in highly specialized fields such as oncology, cardiovascular medicine, and organ transplantation - investments in infrastructure, medical equipment, and human resources are expected to enhance the quality of care and enable patients to access advanced medical technologies closer to home.