On September 25, Victoria University announced the establishment of the Victoria School of Medicine and Pharmacy in Hanoi, marking a significant step in healthcare education in Vietnam. The new institution is designed to meet the increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals by linking theoretical knowledge with practical training and advanced technology, including artificial intelligence and biomedical research.

The school will feature six specialized faculties, 17 laboratories, and a pre-clinical center, having already signed training agreements with 24 hospitals, including 10 top-tier facilities. This initiative is part of Victoria University's broader strategy to enhance its healthcare training capabilities.

During the announcement, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hoang Long, the school's rector, emphasized the importance of practical training in medical education. He stated, "This milestone opens a new phase for healthcare training, focusing on equipping healthcare workers with solid knowledge, practical skills, and medical ethics." The curriculum will integrate modern medicine with traditional practices, emphasizing personalized and public health approaches.

Looking ahead, the school plans to adopt big data, digital technology, artificial intelligence, and biomedical sciences into its training programs. The development roadmap includes several phases, with a focus on consolidating its organizational structure and enhancing quality assurance processes by 2028-2030. By 2031-2035, the school aims to expand its postgraduate training and research capabilities.

Furthermore, the training model will connect various learning environments, including classrooms, laboratories, and hospitals, ensuring students gain real-world experience. The university is also investing in a Clinical Skills Center and laboratory facilities to support this integrated approach.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Tien Chau, present at the inauguration, urged the school to maintain high standards in quality and ethics while adapting its curriculum to labor market needs. He stressed the importance of practical training and foreign language skills for students.

Miki Nozawa, head of the Education Office at UNESCO Vietnam, highlighted the significance of the new school in preparing a skilled workforce for the healthcare sector. She noted that the development of healthcare requires not only knowledge and expertise but also compassion and responsibility towards patients.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, a prominent figure in the Sovico Group, expressed her commitment to providing students with opportunities to learn and work in real-world settings across various fields, including healthcare and education. She emphasized the need for future healthcare professionals to be skilled, technologically adept, and empathetic.

The establishment of the Victoria School of Medicine and Pharmacy comes as part of Victoria University's expansion of its health sciences programs, which currently serves around 8,000 students and employs 350 faculty and staff. The university anticipates welcoming approximately 1,800 new students in the 2026-2027 academic year.