"This Year Is the Best Time to Enter" KT Heads to Vietnam Healthcare Market

Hanoi Medical University and Chronic Disease Patients
Sign Agreement for Remote Medical Pilot Service

KT announced on the 13th that it has signed a business agreement with Hanoi Medical University for a pilot telemedicine service targeting chronic disease patients. The photo shows representatives from KT and Hanoi Medical University in Vietnam discussing chronic disease management services and future joint research at Hanoi Medical University. Photo by KT

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] KT is entering the Vietnamese healthcare market centered on a remote medical platform.

KT announced on the 13th that it has signed a business agreement with Hanoi Medical University for a pilot remote medical service targeting chronic disease patients.

Through this agreement, both institutions will collaborate on ▲ development of chronic disease management services ▲ joint research on medical artificial intelligence (AI) ▲ education for local medical staff.

First, KT will work with Hanoi Medical University to verify (PoC) the remote medical service for chronic diseases. This service provides self-care guides such as self-measurement, medication management, and exercise management for patients with chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes. A ‘care coordinator’ consultation service by local medical staff is also being planned.

KT and Hanoi Medical University will also conduct joint research on medical AI solutions. This research is based on an early Alzheimer’s diagnosis solution developed by Professor Hwang Gyo-seon of Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, who is collaborating with KT. KT will be responsible for AI algorithm analysis.

Based on this cooperation, KT plans to launch a pilot remote medical platform service in Vietnam within this year. To complete diversified services, discussions will continue with local stakeholders such as Vietnamese government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and medical IT firms.

KT judged this year to be the optimal time to enter the Vietnamese market, noting that interest in health and medical care has increased due to the spread of COVID-19. The increase in the middle-class population in Vietnam has led to growing demand for specialized medical services, and spending on pharmaceuticals and medical services is also rising, which is cited as a background for market entry. According to a KOTRA report, the size of the Vietnamese medical market was estimated at $23 billion in 2022.

Song Jae-ho, Vice President and Head of KT AI/DX Convergence Business Division, said, “We are pleased to utilize KT’s ABC capabilities?AI, big data, and cloud?along with excellent domestic IT and medical infrastructure to address healthcare issues in Vietnam. Based on the Vietnamese business, which is the forward base of KT digital healthcare, we will complete differentiated healthcare solutions and lead the market.”

Meanwhile, KT signed a business agreement with the Vietnam National Cancer Center in 2021 and is conducting joint research for early cancer diagnosis and treatment using medical AI. Both institutions have agreed to jointly develop a post-care platform for cancer patients.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.