Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, October 17, 2025 – DKSH Business Unit Healthcare, the leading strategic healthcare solutions partner in Asia and beyond, hosted its third annual “Patient Purpose Day” under the theme “Women’s Health Equity.” In Vietnam, DKSH conducted a series of bone health initiatives designed to support local women.
According to the World Economic Forum 2023, at least one in five female patients in APAC delayed their access to healthcare due to family duties. In response, DKSH Healthcare aims to strengthen resources to improve women’s access to prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment and care. With 36% of senior leadership positions held by women, DKSH extends this commitment to patient care, advancing women's health equity.
As part of “Patient Purpose Day 2025,” DKSH partnered with local NGOs and hospitals to drive impact - from providing health education and free screenings to empowering women with health literacy - with the mission to break down barriers to healthcare access, in line with its general commitment to provide healthcare for all. DKSH Vietnam specifically addressed bone health needs for women, contributing to this year’s theme of women’s health equity.
In collaboration with Thong Nhat Hospital and the HCMC Osteoporosis Association, DKSH sponsored the program “Strong Bones, Bright Future” on October 5 at Thong Nhat Hospital. The program was held in conjunction with Vietnamese Women’s Day (October 20) and World Osteoporosis Day (October 20), featuring a series of meaningful activities.
Over 300 women received free check-ups, including bone density scans, nutrition and exercise consultations, and general musculoskeletal examinations. In parallel, a scientific seminar with medical experts and interactive Q&A sessions provided women with practical knowledge on osteoporosis - a disease affecting 20-30% of postmenopausal women in Vietnam.
In addition, the program recorded the broad participation of doctors providing direct care from Thong Nhat Hospital, scientific experts leading the symposium from HCMC Osteoporosis Society, and dedicated volunteers from DKSH Vietnam employees, demonstrating the company’s deep commitment to community health and social impact.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Thanh Toan, Vice Director of Thong Nhat Hospital, shared: "As a leading hospital with strong expertise in bone healthcare, we aim to provide women with opportunities for screening, early detection, and osteoporosis prevention from an early stage. DKSH and the HCMC Osteoporosis Society have partnered with and supported us in achieving this goal, helping many women better understand osteoporosis - the 'silent disease' - so they can maintain a healthy life and avoid serious complications later on."
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Anh Thu, President of the HCMC Osteoporosis Society, emphasized: "We highly appreciate DKSH's efforts in the 'Strong Bones, Bright Future' program. Beyond providing medical check-ups, the program has raised community awareness of the importance of bone health, thereby encouraging preventive practices and early treatment of these conditions, especially osteoporosis. We believe this will be the starting point to scale up effective community partnerships, creating more equitable and sustainable healthcare for women in the future."
Ankur Pandey, Vice President, Business Unit Healthcare, DKSH Vietnam, said: “Through ‘Patient Purpose Day’, we are not only raising awareness but also creating tangible access to care. Today’s screening can prevent tomorrow’s fractures. Our partnership brings expert bone health care directly to Vietnamese women, demonstrating how ‘Healthcare for All’ creates real, measurable impact in local communities.”
About “Patient Purpose Day”
“Patient Purpose Day” is a global initiative by DKSH to showcase the Group’s as well as the Business Unit Healthcare’s continued efforts to bridge the inequality gap, improve patient outcomes, and enrich people’s lives. The various events across different markets reinforce DKSH’s commitment to enhancing patient outcomes and fostering a more meaningful impact on the healthcare landscape. The initiative is held annually in September.
About Thong Nhat Hospital
Thong Nhat Hospital is a Grade I general hospital under the Ministry of Health, established on November 1, 1975, in Ho Chi Minh City. The hospital has expanded to over 1,200 beds, with 32 clinical departments, 8 paraclinical departments, and 11 administrative units staffed by nearly 1,300 officials and employees. Its specialties have been developed with a focus on both medicine and surgery, including several key disciplines such as musculoskeletal care, geriatrics, cardiology, emergency, and endoscopic surgery. In addition to providing medical services for the public, Thong Nhat Hospital is also responsible for the regular healthcare of approximately 100 senior officials under central management. Each year, the hospital ensures medical support for 5 to 7 major political events held in Ho Chi Minh City and provides health examinations for around 20 international diplomatic delegations of the Party and the State. https://bvtn.org.vn/
About the Ho Chi Minh City Osteoporosis Society
In response to the growing need for osteoporosis specialization and with the strong support and guidance of the Ho Chi Minh City Medical Association leadership, particularly the late Prof. Duong Quang Trung, the Ho Chi Minh City Osteoporosis Association was officially established on August 12, 2006. Its founding marked an important milestone in the development of subspecialties within the city’s musculoskeletal field. Alongside other member associations - including the Vietnam Rheumatology Association, Orthopedics and Trauma Association, Spine Society, Hand Surgery Society, Vietnam Pediatric Orthopedic Association, and HCMC Sports Medicine Association - the Osteoporosis Association has actively advanced professional activities and contributed significantly to the progress of osteoporosis research and care, as well as the broader musculoskeletal field, over the past two decades. http://www.hoiloangxuonghcm.vn
About DKSH
For 160 years, DKSH has been delivering growth for companies in Asia and beyond. ts Business Units Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Performance Materials, and Technology. As a leading Market Expansion Services provider, DKSH offers sourcing, market insights, marketing and sales, eCommerce, distribution and logistics as well as after-sales services, following its purpose of enriching people’s lives. DKSH is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. Listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, DKSH operates in 36 markets with 28,060 specialists, generating net sales of CHF 11.1 billion in 2024. DKSH Business Unit Healthcare distributes pharmaceuticals, consumer health, over-the-counter products and medical devices. With around 7,940 specialists, the Business Unit generated net sales of CHF 5.7 billion in 2024. www.dksh.com/hec