A New Zealand patient traveled over 9,000 km to Vietnam for treatment – ​​A positive sign for Vietnam's medical tourism.

On July 26, 2026, Viet Duc Friendship Hospital reported on the case of a 51-year-old female patient from New Zealand who chose to come to Vietnam for hip replacement surgery after years of enduring persistent pain and waiting for a surgery date in her home country. Just a few days after treatment, the patient was able to walk again and was preparing to return home.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Manh Khanh, Deputy Director of Viet Duc Friendship Hospital and Head of the Orthopedics and Trauma Department 1, the patient began experiencing pain in her left hip joint about 10 years ago. Initially, the pain only occurred during movement, but over time it became increasingly severe, significantly affecting her mobility and daily activities. Although she had been scheduled for hip replacement surgery many years ago, she had to wait for a surgical appointment within the New Zealand healthcare system for about four years. If she chose to pay for the treatment herself, the estimated cost would be nearly 40,000 New Zealand dollars.

Source: Bao Moi

After researching the expertise of the medical team and the quality of treatment in Vietnam, the patient decided to go to Viet Duc Friendship Hospital. Upon admission, doctors noted that the left hip joint had been completely destroyed. Furthermore, the patient's weight of nearly 100 kg made the anesthesia and surgery process more complicated than usual.

Through examination and diagnosis, doctors determined that the patient had avascular necrosis of the femoral head accompanied by end-stage hip osteoarthritis. According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Manh Khanh, this condition can stem from various causes such as impaired blood supply to the bone, trauma, autoimmune diseases, prolonged use of corticosteroids, or being overweight or obese. If left untreated, the hip joint will continue to be destroyed, severely impairing the patient's mobility.

After consultation, the team decided to perform a total hip replacement using minimally invasive techniques. Due to the thick soft tissue in the hip area and the deep location of the joint, the surgery required high precision. However, the surgeons only needed to make a skin incision of about 5–6 cm, which reduced soft tissue damage, minimized post-operative pain, and helped the patient recover faster.

The post-operative results showed very positive recovery prospects. As early as the second day, the patient was able to stand up and begin walking with guidance from medical staff. After nearly a week of treatment, the surgical wound healed well, both legs were balanced, the pain subsided, and the patient was able to walk independently.

Source: Bao Moi

Sharing her experience after the surgery, the patient said that her life had been almost turned upside down by the persistent pain. Every time she moved, she needed a cane or crutches, and painkillers weren't as effective as she hoped. Despite this, she managed to maintain her job as a real estate manager and personal assistant. After receiving treatment in Vietnam, she expressed joy at feeling like she had been given a new opportunity and believes that in about three months she can return to running – something she never thought possible before.

The case of the New Zealand patient illustrates a growing trend of international patients proactively seeking out Vietnam for access to high-tech medical services. Besides a team of experienced doctors and mastery of many modern techniques, the quick treatment access times and reasonable costs are becoming key factors helping Vietnam gradually enhance its competitiveness on the regional medical tourism map.

Sources: VnExpress, Bao Moi, Nhan Dan Online, Dan Tri