Prenatal diagnostic services in three regional centers in Vietnam

This study aims to give information on the prenatal diagnostic (PND) services provided in three major regional PND centers in Vietnam.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in early 2014. An inventory of services, human resources, facilities, and equipment and in-depth interviews were carried out.

Three regional PND centers were set up between 2007 and 2014, and technical guidelines on PND tests were released by the Ministry of Health in 2010. There were a variety of services among centers, and the number of services provided by the three PND centers was far below the target set by the Ministry of Health. There is still limited capacity of human resources, facilities, and equipment in PND centers. Different measures were implemented by hospitals to improve capacity, including counseling.

Despite a late start, with government support, PND services in Vietnam have developed quickly. However, to reach the objectives of 15 % of women receiving PND services by 2015 and 50 % by 2020, several actions should be taken to expand the service coverage and capacity of centers.