SpaceX's Starlink expansion to Vietnam covers its healthcare sector. Through Starlink, SpaceX aims to promote Vietnam's digital transformation.
On June 18th, SpaceX delegation met with Vietnam Ministry of Health (MOH) in Hanoi. The SpaceX delegation is led by Andrew Matlock, Director of Enterprise Sales, and focuses on improving connectivity at remote hospitals and clinics in Vietnam.
Deputy Minister (MOH) Tran Van Thuan highlighted the collaboration between SpaceX and Vietnam. Tran said: “SpaceX must work with MOH to ensure that all hospitals and clinics in the remote location are connected to the Starlink satellite system and share information, plans and issues discussed by members of MOH. The ministry is ready to provide information and work with the company.”
MOH has assigned the Ministry of Science, Technology and Training to work with SpaceX. Starlink Vietnam will also receive support from Vietnam's International Cooperation Bureau. Starlink Vietnam's agenda includes improving internet connectivity for remote healthcare facilities, developing digital infrastructure for health testing and remote consultation, and strengthening operational systems.
The Vietnamese health sector is prioritizing it and digital transformation, focusing on electronic health records, data centres and telehealth services. However, deploying IT solutions in remote regions presents challenges, prompting Vietnam to seek partnerships like SpaceX.
SpaceX's StarLink has a proven track record in healthcare. In Rwanda, its services supported 40 health centres and praised the improvements in operations. Similarly, Starlink has enabled remote consulting at Emirati Field Hospital in the UAE in Gaza, streamlining communications in complex medical cases. These successes highlight Starlink's potential to transform the healthcare landscape of Vietnam.
On May 20th, SpaceX met with Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade and announced a $1.5 billion investment to provide broadband internet, particularly in remote areas, borders and island regions. The first phase involves the construction of 10-15 above-ground stations across the country. This infrastructure supports Starlink's healthcare initiatives by ensuring reliable connectivity.
The expansion of Starlink in Vietnam is consistent with the country's push for digital transformation, as outlined by MOH. SpaceX aims to bridge connectivity gaps by leveraging its satellite internet expertise, enabling advanced healthcare services in underserved regions. This collaboration will redefine Vietnam's healthcare infrastructure and position Starlink as a key player in the country's digital future.
