Siemens Healthcare Ltd and Viet Nam Japan Medical High-Tech Development JSC (VijaMetech) on Wednesday inked a Memorandum of Understanding to foster co-operation in the healthcare sector.

The two companies agreed to consider feasible business models for co-ordination in order to develop oncology screening, early detection and treatment networks in Viet Nam.

Under the MoU, Siemens Healthcare will provide a spectrum of solutions for Viet Nam – Japan International K Hospital, ranging from medical imaging and laboratory diagnostics, to CT simulation in radiation therapy to value-added management services such as consulting and healthcare IT services, as well as advanced technologies for therapeutic and molecular diagnostics.

Financed by VijaMetech, Japan International K Hospital is a part of the company’s plan to develop a network of oncology screening, diagnostics and treatment centres across Viet Nam according to international standards. Located in Xuan Tao Commuce, Bac Tu Liem, Ha Noi, the hospital is slated for completion in late 2018.

According to the World Health Organisation, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and was responsible for 8.8 million deaths in 2015.

Worldwide, cancer causes nearly one in 6six deaths with more than 10 million new cases per annum. In Viet Nam, it is estimated that there are around 100,000 to 150,000 new cancer cases and roughly 75,000 cancer deaths each year. — VNS