Lao Cai province health authorities are deploying telemedicine networks across 85 communes using support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the United Nations Development Programme, contrasting initial account creation figures with actual patient utilization rates. While provincial records show 73,897 citizen accounts created by October 8, 2026, only 3,078 individuals actively use the application, according to provincial data.
Japan International Cooperation Agency Equipment Deployment Schedule
The provincial health sector is implementing a project titled "Building a health workforce capacity-building system through telemedicine," backed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Participating sites include the Yen Vien health station, the Luc Yen health station, and various regional general hospitals and commune health stations.
Under the implementation schedule, the Japan International Cooperation Agency will take charge of equipment handover, installation, and configuration starting in August 2026. Training sessions will cover hardware, software, and clinical procedures. In September and early October 2026, training will expand to focus on information technology capacity, utilizing the D4E software (“Doctor for Every Family”), practicing multi-site connectivity, and executing telemedicine screenings according to established protocols.
South Korean Grant Funding and Commune Expansion
Alongside the Japan International Cooperation Agency project, Lao Cai is expanding the "Doctor for Every Family" platform through an additional program funded by a non-refundable grant from the South Korean government.
The health department strengthened project management committees and local instructor training teams, collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme to conduct training for participating facilities. By October 8, 2026, 85 out of 99 communes in the province joined the telemedicine rollout. Forty-five communes fall within the project scope, while 40 communes voluntarily joined outside the initial project boundaries.
Utilization Rates Across Regional Health Stations
Disparities persist between the volume of registered accounts and active patient utilization across different districts, highlighting varying levels of community engagement. Provincial data shows 73,897 total citizen accounts generated, with 3,078 app users, 2,126 appointment bookings, and 1,572 completed consultations.
In Bac Ha district, 1,118 individuals used the telemedicine application, resulting in 897 appointment bookings and 487 completed examinations. Hop Thanh recorded 407 app users, 395 bookings, and 368 examinations. Gia Phu reported 405 users, 390 bookings, and 386 examinations. Localities such as Ban Lien, Coc Lau, Xuan Quang, and Duong Quy established structured procedures spanning from application registration to examination.
Future Administrative and Clinical Protocols
Nguyen Song Hao stated that the health sector will continue working alongside the Ministry of Health, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the United Nations Development Programme, and related entities to refine telemedicine support procedures.
Authorities plan to address operational hurdles involving professional expertise, technology, medical records, data management, and payment methods. The province will reinforce the hospital-district health station-commune health station support network by explicitly defining primary contact physicians, designated support fields, and connection schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific software is used for telemedicine training in Lao Cai province?
Health workers and residents use the D4E software (“Doctor for Every Family”) during multi-site connectivity and telemedicine consultations.
Which international organizations are funding the telemedicine initiatives in Lao Cai?
The initiatives receive support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency and a non-refundable grant from the South Korean government managed in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme.
How many communes participate in the telemedicine network as of October 2026?
Eighty-five out of 99 communes in Lao Cai province participate in the telemedicine system, with 45 inside the official project scope and 40 participating voluntarily.
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