Bach Mai Hospital

History of the Establishment and Development of Bach Mai Hospital

Bach Mai Hospital is Vietnam's first Special Grade comprehensive general hospital, serving as a vital pillar in the nation's advanced healthcare system, medical training, and scientific research.

1. Early Beginnings During the French Colonial Period (1911–1945)

• 1911 – Cong Vong Hospital: Founded by the French protectorate administration, the facility originally began as a small medical station named Cong Vong Hospital, dedicated primarily to receiving and treating patients with infectious diseases.

• 1935 – René Robin Hospital: To expand its capacity for clinical teaching and treatment, the hospital was rebuilt into a more permanent, modern facility and renamed René Robin Hospital (Hôpital René Robin). It became the primary clinical practice facility for the Indochina Medical College (now Hanoi Medical University).

2. Transition and Resistance War Era (1945–1975)

• Officially Named Bach Mai Hospital (1945): Following the August Revolution in 1945, the hospital was officially renamed Bach Mai Hospital.

• Visits from President Ho Chi Minh: The hospital had the honor of receiving President Ho Chi Minh twice (the first visit being on December 15, 1954), during which he imparted profound advice regarding the spirit of dedication and service to the people.

• Wartime Trials: During the resistance war, Bach Mai Hospital served as a key medical facility in the North. Notably, during the heavy 1972 B-52 carpet-bombing raids over Hanoi, the hospital suffered severe destruction; however, medical staff courageously remained at their posts to provide emergency care and treatment to thousands of wounded soldiers and civilians.

3. Reconstruction and Special Grade Milestone (1975–Present)

• Recovery and Modernization: Following national reunification, the hospital received investments to rebuild and expand, adding numerous institutes, centers, and specialized clinical departments.

• Special Grade Hospital: Bach Mai was among the first healthcare facilities nationwide to be recognized by the Ministry of Health as a Special Grade General Hospital, confirming its position as a top-tier referral center for medical expertise.

• Modern Scale and Contributions:

  • The hospital operates a capacity of thousands of beds alongside leading specialized institutes and centers, including the Vietnam National Heart Institute, Poison Control Center, A9 Emergency Center, Oncology & Nuclear Medicine Center, and Intensive Care Center.

  • Bach Mai is a beacon for advanced medical procedures, including complex interventional cardiology, organ transplantation, advanced intensive care, and the application of artificial intelligence and modern technology in diagnosis and treatment.