Vietnamese PM Chính Visits Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet, Seeks Expanded Healthcare Cooperation
Stockholm, The Gulf Observer: Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Friday visited the Karolinska Institutet (KI) in Stockholm, holding a working session with the leadership of one of the world’s leading medical universities to explore expanded cooperation in healthcare, science, and innovation.
Founded in 1810, the Karolinska Institutet is internationally renowned for its medical training and research excellence. The institute trains approximately 7,000 students and over 2,000 doctoral candidates annually, and is globally recognized for its role in selecting Nobel Prize laureates in Physiology or Medicine. Two of its own scientists have received the prestigious honor.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Chính acknowledged the long-standing cooperation between KI and major Vietnamese institutions, including the Hanoi Medical University (HMU), the National Children’s Hospital (NCH), and the Vietnam – Sweden Uông Bí Hospital. He noted that collaborative efforts have significantly contributed to Vietnam’s research capabilities, doctoral training, and the adoption of modern medical technologies.
KI leadership expressed keen interest in further expanding partnerships with Vietnam, particularly in reducing neonatal mortality, improving care for premature infants, and integrating cutting-edge clinical research with private sector engagement. They also confirmed that Vietnamese students involved in joint programmes would be eligible for doctoral degrees.
Prime Minister Chính praised KI’s global academic prestige and expressed appreciation for its role in supporting Vietnam’s healthcare sector for more than 55 years, dating back to the wartime period. He extended his gratitude to the Swedish Government and people for their enduring assistance, notably in establishing landmark institutions like the NCH and the Uông Bí Hospital.
Highlighting Vietnam’s strategic priorities, the Prime Minister said the country aims to make breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation, especially in the healthcare sector. This includes the promotion of smart hospitals, electronic medical records, and a shift from treatment-focused services to a preventive and holistic healthcare model.
He announced that Vietnam and Sweden have established a sectoral strategic partnership in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation during his visit, forming a robust foundation for deepened cooperation.
PM Chính invited KI to expand collaboration with Vietnam under a model of mutual benefit and shared development, emphasizing public-private partnerships, enhanced ties with local hospitals, and closer academic and professional exchanges.
He identified key areas for future cooperation, including:
- Training of high-quality medical personnel through long-term and short-term programmes;
- Organizing internships, student and expert exchanges, and joint academic forums;
- Promoting collaborative medical research;
- Technology transfer in biomedical sciences, pharmaceuticals, and vaccine production;
- Expanding clinical and research collaboration between KI and major Vietnamese hospitals.
The Vietnamese Government, he affirmed, is committed to providing all necessary support to facilitate and expand these cooperation programmes both bilaterally and multilaterally.
The visit marks a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties in healthcare and further positioning Vietnam as a regional hub for medical innovation and sustainable health development.
