Challenges in the management of congenital heart disease in Vietnam: A single center experience

Vietnam, in Asia, is a low middle-income country with a relatively large population to cater to. Not many know about Vietnam, or its healthcare sector especially the field of pediatric cardiology and congenital heart disease. In contrast to the developed world, congenital heart disease (CHD) is not diagnosed early. Since most of the patients visit the hospital only in later stages of the disease there are many complications during the operation and post-operatively. But during the past 5 years (from 2009), there has been major improvement in the treatment of CHD, both by intervention and surgery. At present, all kinds of CHD, both simple and complex are being successfully treated in our country. Today in Vietnam, all children under 6 years of age have health insurance coverage, under which almost all operations and catheter interventions are done free in government hospitals. It is helping many patients, especially those from the poor socioeconomic background. However, the present infrastructure is inadequate and a long waiting list has accumulated for treatment of CHD.