From Strategic Partnership to Clinical Practice

Beyond a memorandum of understanding (MoU), the atmosphere at Bach Mai Hospital quickly became dynamic following the signing ceremony, with in-depth discussions among leading experts from France, Singapore, and Vietnam.

What sets this collaboration apart is its immediate implementation: a commitment not just to sign, but to act. The scientific workshop served as the first tangible step in translating advanced technology into clinical practice for patient care.

At the workshop, the figure 0.2mm emerged repeatedly as a “keyword” of transformation. This is the slice thickness achieved by the NAEOTOM Alpha system-thinner than a human hair. For imaging specialists, it represents not merely a technical parameter, but a “vision tool” that reveals the most hidden details within the human body.

Unlocking the Power of 0.2mm: When Lesions Can No Longer Hide

Speaking at the workshop, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Van Giap, Deputy Director of Bach Mai Hospital, presented real clinical cases demonstrating the capabilities of photon-counting technology.

“Previously, in cases of complex atherosclerotic plaques or in-stent restenosis, conventional CT images were sometimes affected by noise, requiring physicians to rely heavily on experience. Now, with ultra-high resolution of 0.1mm and 0.2mm slice thickness, everything becomes clearer. We can visualize the vessel lumen inside stents or detect tiny pulmonary nodules that were often obscured before. In medicine, missing even the smallest lesion means losing an opportunity to save a life,” he emphasized.

International experts also noted that the NAEOTOM Alpha system not only enables clearer imaging but also provides deeper insights through energy-resolved material analysis. This capability helps differentiate tissue types more precisely, supporting clinicians in oncology, cardiology, and neurology to develop personalized treatment strategies.

Advanced Technology that “Understands” Patient Concerns

Behind the technical figure of 0.2mm lies a profound human value: safety.

Thanks to direct photon-counting mechanisms and the elimination of electronic noise, the system produces sharper images while significantly reducing radiation dose compared to conventional CT. This is particularly beneficial for cancer patients requiring regular follow-up, the elderly, and especially children-groups more sensitive to radiation exposure.

In addition, reducing the amount of contrast agent helps protect kidney function, making the treatment process more comfortable and less burdensome for patients.

Vision for a Regional Reference Center

Bach Mai Hospital’s acquisition of two photon-counting CT systems-numbered 85 and 86 globally-is considered a strategic move.

Mr. Fabian Martin Singer, Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers Vietnam, shared: “We are not just installing equipment. Our partnership with Bach Mai focuses on building professional capacity and advancing scientific research. Bach Mai is set to become not only a healthcare provider but also a leading regional reference center, where medical professionals from both Vietnam and abroad can come to learn and exchange expertise.”

Echoing this view, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Van Giap affirmed that the collaboration serves as a launchpad for Vietnam’s deeper integration into global healthcare. The vast volume of clinical data at Bach Mai will be combined with artificial intelligence (AI), paving the way for high-value scientific publications in prestigious international journals.

To achieve world-class medical technology in a public hospital, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Van Giap, on behalf of more than 5,000 staff members, expressed sincere gratitude for the support and attention from the Party, the Government, and the Ministry of Health.

This investment enables Vietnamese citizens-from those covered by health insurance to patients with the most complex conditions-to access advanced global medical technologies domestically at reasonable costs.

As the applause for the MoU ceremony faded, physicians promptly returned to their training sessions and patients awaiting care. For them, the greatest value does not lie in owning advanced equipment, but in the fact that these “0.2mm slices” will now serve as a reliable companion-helping protect patients’ lives with greater precision and confidence.