The visit reaffirmed the friendship and political trust between the two countries while providing new impetus to boost practical cooperation in healthcare, particularly in traditional medicine and acupuncture, areas that have long symbolized the enduring partnership between the two sides.

During the trip, the delegation held talks with Mexico’s Ministry of Health; met leaders of the Labor Party (PT); visited the University of Zacatecas; toured Ho Chi Minh Acupuncture Centers in Mexico City and Zacatecas; and worked with the Center for Early Childhood Development (CENDI) and the Tierra y Libertad Hospital in Monterrey.

At talks with Mexican Health Minister David Kershenobich Stalnikowitz, both sides reviewed two decades of health cooperation following the signing of their 2004 health cooperation agreement. Mexican health officials hailed the contribution of Vietnamese traditional medicine to community healthcare and noted that the Ho Chi Minh acupuncture centers in Mexico City and Monterrey have become trusted facilities for local residents.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister Do Xuan Tuyen outlined Vietnam’s major health-sector reforms, including a shift from treatment to prevention, nationwide periodic health check-ups starting in 2026, digital transformation and electronic health records, the elevation of traditional medicine to stand alongside modern medicine, and expanded international cooperation to strengthen the health system.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico Nguyen Van Hai and Ana Karina Rojo Pimente, Chair of the Mexico–Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group and Chair of the Chamber of Deputies’ Welfare Committee, also attended the meeting. Deputy Minister Tuyen emphasized that Vietnam stands ready to share experience and broaden cooperation with Mexico on the basis of trust and effectiveness.

Reflecting shared priorities and similarities in health development, the two ministries signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) replacing the 2004 agreement. The MoU calls for closer cooperation in areas including traditional medicine such as acupuncture, herbal development and herbal-based pharmaceuticals; expert exchanges; medical training; scientific research; pharmaceutical trade promotion; and medical tourism.

During a separate meeting with Alberto Anaya Gutierrez, General Secretary of the Labor Party, and PT leaders, Deputy Minister Tuyen acknowledged the party’s support for cooperation between the two health ministries and for the Central Acupuncture Hospital of Vietnam in maintaining the two Ho Chi Minh acupuncture centers in Mexico.

General Secretary Anaya Gutierrez noted that over the past two decades, hundreds of Vietnamese acupuncture doctors have treated more than 300,000 Mexican patients, successfully addressing complex conditions such as stroke after-effects, peripheral nerve paralysis, encephalitis and cerebral palsy, achievements recognized by Mexico’s medical community.

The Central Acupuncture Hospital and the Labor Party later signed a cooperation agreement to further enhance their partnership in the current context.

Also during the visit, the Ministry of Health delegation met leaders of the University of Zacatecas and witnessed the signing of a cooperation MoU between the Central Acupuncture Hospital and the university.

Earlier, the delegation visited Vietnam’s Embassy in Mexico and laid flowers at the Ho Chi Minh Statue in Mexico City.

Mexico - Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group makes debut

The Mexico - Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group made its debut at a ceremony jointly held on September 24 by the Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico and the Mexican Chamber of Deputies.

Vietnam, Mexico should advance ties to new stage: Ambassador

It's time for Vietnam and Mexico to upgrade their relations to a Comprehensive Partnership, with the long-term goal of establishing a Strategic Partnership, to generate broader and more substantial benefits across politics, economy, culture, security, and for the peoples of both nations, Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico Nguyen Van Hai has affirmed.