Healthcare facilities across Da Nang continue to promote cashless payment for hospital fees, leveraging information technology to enhance convenience for the public. Cashless payments reduce time and procedures, aligning with the Government's National Digital Transformation Scheme 06, which includes the healthcare sector.

Cashless hospital fee payments provide dual benefits for both hospitals and patients. In the photo: A medical examination for the public at the Da Nang Hospital. Photo: PHAN CHUNG

Since early June, the Son Tra District-based Medical Centre has introduced cashless hospital fee payments via QR codes, making transactions more convenient for patients and their relatives. The system operates under the principles of being paperless, cashless, and queue-free. For each doctor's prescription, the system automatically generates a QR code linked to a specific payment transaction for each patient. Patients can make payments online anytime, anywhere, as long as they have a smartphone connected to the internet.

Mr. Le Van Khanh, residing in Tho Quang Ward, Son Tra District, whose family member is being treated at the hospital, commented that this method is convenient and time-saving.

"The payment receipt contains all the necessary information, including the invoice, the patient’s name, and the amount to be paid. The advantage is that payments can be made right at the bedside without the hassle of queuing multiple times," Mr. Khanh noted.

According to Dr. Ngo Van Dinh Hoai, Director of Son Tra District Medical Centre, the hospital had previously offered various cashless payment methods, such as bank transfers, card swipes via POS machines, and e-wallets. However, the introduction of QR code payments is a new step in utilising technology to reduce inconvenience and better serve patients.

"Every day, the hospital handles between 1,200 and 1,500 outpatient visits, along with patients admitted for treatment. Implementing cashless hospital fee payments helps reduce time and procedures, ensuring better healthcare services for the public. We've upgraded software and systems and boosted communication efforts to keep the public well informed," Dr. Hoai explained.

Cashless hospital fee payments bring many conveniences for both patients and healthcare facilities. In the photo: People making online payments for medical services at the Son Tra District-based Medical Centre. Photo: PHAN CHUNG

Similarly, at the Ngu Hanh Son District Medical Centre, QR code hospital fee payments have been in place since 2023, making it the first district-level healthcare unit to adopt this model.

Dr. Nguyen Tien Hung, Deputy Director of Ngu Hanh Son District-based Medical Centre, highlighted that the most noticeable benefit is reduced time for patients. Previously, patients and their families spent considerable time in various stages like waiting for examinations, clinical service instructions, hospital admissions, and discharge payments.

"This system works anytime, anywhere, providing maximum support for patients. For the hospital, it reduces pressure on cashiers during peak hours and promotes financial transparency," Dr. Hung noted.

At municipal-level hospitals like the Oncology Hospital, Da Nang Hospital, and Da Nang Maternity-Paediatrics Hospital, cashless hospital fee payments are being expanded to better support patients.

Dr. Tran Dinh Vinh, Director of Da Nang Maternity-Paediatrics Hospital, noted that applying automatic payment solutions helps patients pay their hospital fees quickly, safely, and conveniently. This modern payment method benefits both patients and healthcare professionals, especially in hospitals with a large number of patients like Da Nang Maternity-Paediatrics Hospital.

“Using advanced technology via QR codes on clinical service prescriptions and invoices allows patients to pay online anytime, anywhere on their smartphones via mobile banking apps. This solution shortens the transaction time for both patients and hospital cashiers. Integrating the hospital management software with the bank system ensures that patients' payments are immediately recorded and automatically updated in the hospital’s financial management system, eliminating manual data entry," Dr. Vinh said.

Dr Vo Thu Tung, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Health, stated that advancing digital transformation and implementing Scheme 06 at healthcare facilities facilitates convenience for the public during medical treatment and health insurance processes. Cashless hospital fee payments have been in place at hospitals and medical centres for some time.

“This is an inevitable trend, aligning with policies and offering many benefits to both the public and healthcare facilities. However, to achieve the target cashless payment ratio outlined in the healthcare sector's digital transformation goals, hospitals and healthcare units must enhance implementation, provide guidance, consultations, and promote awareness so the public understands the role and benefits of these applications. Continuous efforts to improve infrastructure are also needed to meet demand and enhance patient satisfaction,” Dr. Tung added.

Reporting by PHAN CHUNG - Translating by TRUC VY