Phuong Chau Hospital Launched Second IVF Unit: A Beacon of Hope for Couples Struggling with Infertility

On September 10, 2024, Phuong Chau International Hospital held a press conference to launch Saigon Phuong Chau Infertility Department (IVF), a second unit operated and managed by IVF Phuong Chau at Phuong Nam Hospital, 2 Nguyễn Lương Bằng, Phú Mỹ Hưng, District 7, Hồ Chí Minh City.

It's surprising to learn that Vietnam is one of the top destinations when it comes to infertility treatment, both for domestic and foreign couples and families. IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is one of the most progressive and promising fields in Vietnam’s medical industry with international technologies and standards.

Doctor Đinh Anh Tuấn addresses the conference audience.

Presenting at the press conference, Doctor Đinh Anh Tuấn, Director of the Department of Maternal and Child Health, Ministry of Health, emphasized the significant advancements made in the country's healthcare sector since the implementation of socialization policies. IVF, in particular, has emerged as a rapidly growing and highly successful field. He attributed much of this progress to the dedication and innovation of healthcare providers like Phuong Chau International Hospital.

IVF Phuong Chau Saigon has a 55.59m² lab facility that meets ISO 5 requirements, making it a unique breakthrough in the field of in vitro fertilization in Vietnam. This is an important criterion and determining factor in the achievement of flawless embryo cultures and ensuring healthy embryo development. IVF Lab satisfies ISO 5 cleanroom standards, which are ten times cleaner than the ISO 6 cleanroom standards found in typical IVF LABs.

IVF Lab Phuong Chau Saigon is where most of the essential techniques in assisted reproduction are performed, as well as the most advanced technologies. One of them is the Embryoscope Plus incubator combined with AI iDAScore, which is the world's most advanced AI time-lapse system, allowing for continuous observation of embryos and the selection of embryos of the highest quality. In addition, IVF Phuong Chau Saigon has a gamete and embryo identification system called IMS Checker, which continuously checks and identifies faults to ensure no sample confusion.

In the growing context of infertility treatment services in Vietnam, Phuong Chau IVF Infertility Department is the first and only place in the Mekong Delta to achieve two prestigious accreditation standards in the world: JCI and RTAC. It is also the first IVF center in the Mekong Delta to perform all techniques related to infertility treatment. With more than 13 years of expertise, Phuong Chau IVF Infertility Department has advised more than 31,500 couples, with an approx. 74% success rate (the clinical pregnancy rate with in vitro fertilization – frozen embryo transfer of women under 35 years old).

The RTAC (Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee) set of practice standards helps fertility and infertility treatment centers comply and make continuous improvements to ensure the safety and quality of treatment to improve the success rate of fertility treatment products. RTAC also helps optimize operations, helping to save and bring the most reasonable costs to people.

Meanwhile, JCI (Joint Commission International) is a non-profit, U.S.-based, international accreditation organization that certifies healthcare companies, services, and programs. JCI standards are internationally recognized as a leading healthcare accreditation program for patient safety and quality of care.

IVF Phuong Chau Saigon upholds these high standards, positioning itself as a reliable partner for couples facing infertility challenges. The center's approach goes beyond merely achieving successful pregnancies; it prioritizes the overall well-being of both mothers and children. At IVF Phuong Chau Saigon, success encompasses the entire journey—from initial examinations and IVF procedures to embryo formation, pregnancy, and ultimately, the joyful arrival of a newborn. This comprehensive care ensures that parents receive support at every stage, from conception to the moment they welcome their child into the world.

Andrew Meadows, Senior Advisor, Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of quality management at IVF Phuong Chau Saigon, ensuring a high success rate, patient safety, and continuous improvements by using data-driven processes, which enables ongoing optimization of treatments and protocols. There are regular appraisals and performance reviews to promote a culture of excellence, helping the center stay compliant with global, best practices and deliver a consistent, high-quality service. “The development orientation of IVF Phuong Chau Saigon's quality management purposes on synchronizing RTAC and JCI standards across all our centers, from Can Tho to HCM City. We aim to ensure that the same high standard of care, safety, and success rate are maintained throughout our network," he shared.

"By aligning RTAC and JCI, we commit to bringing a uniform quality framework that guarantees consistent world-class IVF care, no matter where the patient is treated. This approach ensures Phuong Chau Healthcare Group provides excellent infertility care across its entire system at every center with the same international standards,” Meadows affirmed.

During the press conference, MD, PhD Nguyễn Hoàng Tuấn, Director of Phuong Nam Hospital, citing medical literature, shared that mothers who have received assisted reproductive treatment will have a higher risk of premature birth than mothers who conceive naturally (2 - 4.2 times higher). The possibility of multiple pregnancies is also higher. Therefore, ensuring safety standards in the delivery room and operating room is highly valued by Phuong Nam Hospital. With the motto “Service from the heart”, IVF Phuong Chau Saigon promises to deliver world-class care to patients from beginning to end.

The launch of IVF Phuong Chau Saigon will play a crucial role in boosting reproductive support, addressing low birth rates in Ho Chi Minh City, the Southeast, and the Mekong Delta, contributing to improving population quality and supporting Vietnam's future development, as Dr. Tuấn noted. It symbolizes hope for countless couples, progress in medical technology and standards, a brighter future for Vietnam's healthcare landscape and the nation as a whole.