Bernard Healthcare, a specialized medical network from Ho Chi Minh City, participated at the 65th Annual Meeting of the Japan Society of Ningen Dock and Preventive Medical Care in 2024. The annual event focuses on advancing preventive healthcare practices and saw the participation of over 427 member institutions from Japan, Vietnam, and Taiwan (China). As a member of the society since 2020, Bernard Healthcare was the first Vietnamese institution to deliver an oral presentation, highlighting the impact of the Ningen Dock model in Vietnam.

Pioneered by the Japan Society of Ningen Dock since its founding in 1959, the Ningen Dock model emphasizes the early detection of underlying health conditions as well as preventive care. It is known for its comprehensive health screenings, which are highly recommended for individuals with a family history of serious illnesses. A distinguishing feature of this model is the focus on physician responsibility, where doctors not only provide screening results but also offer thorough counseling on lifestyle changes to prevent the onset of disease.

Dr. Ishizaka Yuko, Vice President of the Japan Society of Ningen Dock and Preventive Medical Care and President of the 65th Annual Meeting, expressed her appreciation at the meeting for Bernard Healthcare’s participation. “I am very pleased to have the delegation from Vietnam (Bernard International Specialized Medical System, Ho Chi Minh City) participate at this meeting with an oral presentation,” she said. “We would be delighted to welcome them again in the years to come. This is also encouragement for Japanese medical institutions.”

Bernard Healthcare began implementing the Ningen Dock model in Vietnam in February 2021. Since then, it has cared for nearly 1,000 patients, focusing on the early detection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular disease (heart attacks and strokes), and metabolic disorders (diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia). Several early-stage cancer cases were detected, enabling timely interventions and improving patient outcomes. “The Ningen Dock model at Bernard Healthcare has enabled early detection of numerous NCDs, especially early-stage cancers, allowing timely interventions and improved patient outcomes,” according to a report from Bernard Healthcare. “We believe this model will contribute to managing NCDs in Vietnam, easing the disease burden on the community and improving the longevity and quality of life of the Vietnamese people.”

One of the major points of interest at the meeting was the high level of patient satisfaction Bernard Healthcare achieved by applying the Japanese Omotenashi spirit (hospitality). Bernard conducts regular daily and weekly client satisfaction surveys, consistently achieving positive feedback with satisfaction rates exceeding 85 per cent.

To ensure the quality of its screenings, Bernard Healthcare has established a strategic partnership with the University of Yamanashi Hospital in Japan. This collaboration includes a remote imaging diagnostic center where MRI and CT scan results from Bernard are cross-read by Yamanashi’s specialists. The partnership ensures that Bernard’s Ningen Dock operations adhere to the strict standards set by Japan.

In recognition of its contributions, a Bernard Healthcare report, submitted in May, was published in the Japanese Ningen Dock Journal in September. “Bernard Healthcare submitted its report for review in May,” commented Ms. Nguyen Nam Phuong, CEO of Bernard Healthcare. “The report was selected for publication in the society’s journal in September and was presented at this year’s meeting.”

This year’s annual meeting saw 277 oral presentations and 167 poster presentations, marking continued growth for the Japan Society of Ningen Dock. Bernard Healthcare’s success in implementing the Ningen Dock model has placed Vietnam at the forefront of preventive healthcare practices in the region.