A decade of advancement – 500 transplants, 500 stories of hope
Over the past decade, the 108 MCH has not only advanced in transplant techniques but has also written 500 stories of resilience, healing, and hope. Since the hospital’s first kidney transplant in 2016, it has successfully performed 500 procedures, primarily with living donors. Each case represents a life reclaimed from end-stage renal disease - a journey back to health, productivity, and dignity.
With a remarkable 95% five-year survival rate, these outcomes mirror the standards of top global transplant centers. The patients, ranging in age from 19 to 70, come from all walks of life. The largest group, aged 20 to 39, reflects a generation given a second chance at building their future. On average, the hospital conducts 120–140 transplants annually, supported by a dedicated, multi-disciplinary team and world-class facilities.
“Each successful transplant is not only a medical achievement but also a restored life, allowing patients to return to work and live meaningfully,” said Dr. Ngo Quan Vu, Head of Nephrology and Dialysis Department.
Dr. Ngo Quan Vu, Head of Nephrology and Dialysis Department, stated
Optimal solution for end-stage renal disease
According to Dr. Nguyen Viet Hai, Head of Upper Urology Department, kidney transplantation remains the most cost-effective and quality-of-life-improving treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease.
“Compared to hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplantation helps patients regain autonomy, reduce long-term medical costs, and relieve the burden on families and the healthcare system,” he noted.
Among the 500 transplant recipients, Mr. Pham Minh Tuyen, a 51-year-old from Thai Binh, stands out as one of the earliest patients to undergo the procedure at 108 MCH. For more than a decade, he battled end-stage kidney disease, relying on dialysis three times a week. The toll was not only physical but emotional—his work was disrupted, his health deteriorated, and hope grew dim.
Mr. Pham Minh Tuyen, a 51-year-old from Thai Binh, stands out as one of the earliest patients to undergo the procedure at 108 Military Central Hospital
Everything changed in 2017, when he received a life-saving kidney transplant at the hospital. Today, eight years on, he lives a healthy and productive life, actively contributing to his community.
“The transplant didn’t just extend my life, it restored its meaning. I’m working again, I’m healthy, and I’m deeply grateful to the doctors who gave me this second chance,” Mr. Tuyen shared at this special event.
His journey reflects the spirit of hundreds of others who have walked the same path—patients who once stood at the edge of uncertainty, but who now live with renewed strength and dignity. These are the 500 stories of hope that give true meaning to every transplant performed at the hospital.
Advancing with international expertise
The scientific conference also featured presentations on ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation, optimization of immunosuppressive therapies, and complex transplant coordination. International experts, including Prof. Lionel Rostaing (Grenoble University, France) and Prof. Shin Sung (Asan Medical Center, Korea), joined to share experiences and foster global cooperation.
While technical advances have been made, challenges remain, especially the scarcity of cadaveric organ donations. Increasing public awareness and building a robust national organ donation framework are essential for sustainable transplantation programs.
Towards a future of medical excellence
“Organ transplantation, especially kidney transplantation, is one of the most outstanding medical breakthroughs of the 20th century. At the 108 MCH, each transplant is a symbol of science, service, and humanity,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Ngoc Lam, Deputy Director of the hospital.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Ngoc Lam, Deputy Director of the hospital, shared
With a vision to become a regional center of excellence, the 108 MCH is committed to advancing transplant technology, enhancing international collaboration, and contributing to the modernization of Vietnam’s healthcare system in both military and civilian sectors.
Nghiêm Xuân Hoàn – An Ngọc, Phòng KHQS