Transforming Healthcare Access in Vietnam: A Journey from Vision to Reality

 by James Kang, Country Leader, Vietnam

Mrs Lien and Dr Walter Lee

Our story illustrates a powerful journey of innovation and collaboration.

The transition from only a few patients having access to large, expensive endoscopy equipment to whole remote regions of Vietnam receiving access to affordable, portable devices that fit into small briefcases is a testament to the impact of strategic partnerships and a shared vision. It reveals some of how REI in Vietnam is helping to bring life-saving

medical technology to those in need.

Identifying the Need 

When Dr. Walter Lee, professor and co-director of the Head and Neck Cancer Program at Duke Cancer Institute, first visited Vietnam in 2007, he encountered a significant healthcare challenge: the high incidence of throat cancers and diseases that went undetected due to lack of easy access to modern diagnostic tools. While upper endoscopy equipment was widely available in high-income countries like the United States, its prohibitive cost – often exceeding $80,000 – and its rigid endoscopic only available in major tertiary centers in Vietnam were more difficult for doctors to perform and uncomfortable for patients.  

A Vision for Change 

Motivated by the need for easily accessible diagnostic tools, Dr. Lee and his colleagues envisioned developing an affordable, portable, and flexible nasopharyngoscope specifically for head and neck cancer detection in Vietnam. They sought REI as a partner in this vision, knowing our 30 years of service, education, and extensive network of over 40 hospitals would be instrumental in realizing this goal. 

Signing the MOU w E Hospital

Collaboration and Innovation 

REI in Vietnam played a central role in working with Dr. Lee, while hospitals, doctors, and research institutions across Vietnam oversaw the collection of more than 4,000 initial data units from patients at ten hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This extensive data collection was critical in guiding the development of a portable, flexible ENLYT™ Flexible Endoscope. Based on the data, Vivo Surgical, a Singaporean company, developed a briefcase-size flexible endoscope that could be attached to a phone or tablet. This device, designed for the specific needs of Vietnam and the Vietnamese patients and healthcare providers, represented a significant leap forward in medical technology. 

(l-r) W. Mr Truong Tan Sang (Former President of VN), Dr Chien, Mrs Lien, Dr Walter Lee, and Dr Tran (from Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital) after signing the MOU

Impact and Success 

By the end of this year, we anticipate that over 15,000 people in Vietnam – many of whom previously had limited access to flexible endoscopic examinations – will have been screened using the ENLYT™ Flexible Endoscope. Feedback from physicians in Vietnam has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the device as "the best thing they've ever used" and praising its efficiency, ease of use, and high accuracy. 

Navigating Challenges 

The success of this project can be attributed not only to the innovation and dedication of Dr. Lee and the medical and technical teams but also to the crucial role of REI in Vietnam, especially Ms. Lien, our director of the REI Representative office in Vietnam. Her expertise in navigating the complex landscape of hospital administration, government regulations, laws in Vietnam, and culture was vital in bringing this innovation to fruition.  

Dr Walter Lee training ENLYT at the National Otorhinolaryngology Hospital (NOH)

A Legacy of Impact 

For over 30 years, REI has built people to build nations, bringing hope to future generations. This story is one of many that demonstrate the impact we are having on the Vietnamese people. Through partnerships like this, REI continues to live out its vision, making a valuable difference in the lives of countless individuals.