A lung cancer patient who sought treatment in Singapore spent over a billion VND on medical expenses, only to return to Vietnam and discover that the same medication was readily available domestically for just a quarter of the price.

The same drug, four times the cost

A woman recently visited E Hospital in Hanoi for a consultation after previously undergoing treatment in Singapore. There, doctors prescribed a targeted therapy drug costing nearly $7,200 (VND 183 million) for a one-month supply (30 pills). However, she was surprised to learn that the same medication, produced by a Swedish pharmaceutical company, was available in Vietnam for just VND 42 million ($1,650).

Beyond medication costs, other medical services in Singapore were significantly more expensive. For instance, an MRI scan with contrast cost her $1,340 (VND 34 million), while the same procedure in Vietnam was only VND 2.2-2.5 million ($86-98).

Similarly, a PET/CT scan in Singapore was priced at VND 52 million ($2,000), whereas in Vietnam, it ranged from VND 20-25 million ($780-980). If covered by health insurance, patients in Vietnam would pay just VND 3-4 million ($118-157).

The patient admitted that upon receiving her diagnosis, fear and anxiety led her to seek treatment abroad, believing that foreign hospitals would offer superior care. However, after consulting Vietnamese doctors, she chose to continue her treatment in Vietnam.

Returning home for affordable cancer treatment

Another case involved Mrs. M.T.D, a 70-year-old lung cancer patient from Hai Phong, who underwent surgery in Singapore and was prescribed immunotherapy.

After some time, the high costs and logistical difficulties of overseas treatment prompted her to return to Vietnam for further care at Bach Mai Hospital.

Mrs. D and her family were astonished to learn that the same immunotherapy drug prescribed in Singapore was available in Vietnam at a fraction of the cost, thanks to pharmaceutical company support programs.

Instead of spending exorbitant amounts abroad, she has now been receiving treatment for two years with stable health and manageable expenses.

Similarly, Mr. N.T.C, a 56-year-old stomach cancer patient from Hanoi, initially planned to continue his post-surgery treatment in Singapore after undergoing a gastrectomy at Bach Mai Hospital.

However, after realizing that the treatment protocol prescribed by Singaporean doctors was identical to that in Vietnam, he regretted his costly decision.

“I discovered that the treatment plan in Singapore was exactly the same as what Vietnamese doctors had recommended. Had I known earlier, I wouldn’t have wasted time and money traveling abroad,” Mr. C shared.

Why are medications cheaper in Vietnam?

According to Associate Professor Dr. Pham Cam Phuong, Director of the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Oncology at Bach Mai Hospital, many patients initially believe that Vietnam lacks access to advanced cancer treatments like targeted therapy and immunotherapy. This misconception drives them to seek treatment abroad, often at a steep financial cost.

However, Vietnam’s oncology treatment standards have now aligned with global practices, including advanced surgical techniques, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and cutting-edge targeted therapy and immunotherapy drugs. Dr. Phuong reassures patients that Vietnamese doctors have access to a wide range of modern cancer treatments comparable to those in Japan or Singapore.

“Patients can confidently receive treatment in Vietnam without worrying about high costs, language barriers, or dietary restrictions abroad,” she stated.

For those still considering overseas treatment, Dr. Phuong advises thorough research and consultation with domestic specialists to avoid unnecessary expenses and suboptimal outcomes.

Government support for cancer treatment

From January 2019 to 2023, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health approved 18 drug support programs, benefiting over 6,000 critically ill patients with total aid exceeding VND 1.6 trillion ($62.8 million).

These initiatives provide access to high-cost medications, including original brand-name drugs and biological therapies not yet covered by health insurance. On average, each patient receives support worth VND 264 million ($10,350).

Currently, two major support programs for lung cancer patients are underway, offering the largest and longest financial assistance in Vietnam’s medical history:

Program duration: April 2020 – June 2029 (over 9 years)

Key drugs and patient support data:

These programs significantly reduce financial burdens for cancer patients, enabling them to access advanced treatments without traveling abroad.

Phuong Thuy