HCM CITY — Since the start of their strategic collaboration in 2022, the two companies have been working hand-in-hand to transform community health in the country, particularly in the areas of diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and chronic kidney disease.

Oliver Koehncke, General Manager of Boehringer Ingelheim Việt Nam, said the two sides share the same mission and vision.

“We both care deeply about the future health of Vietnamese people,” he said.

Long Châu pharmacies are often the first point of contact when someone feels unwell. That’s where trust begins, and that’s what the partnership is building on.

Chronic kidney disease, often referred to as a ‘silent killer’, is a central focus of this year’s campaign. Unlike diabetes, which may present noticeable symptoms, kidney disease often goes undetected until it is too late. The impact of early detection, therefore, cannot be overstated.

“Dialysis is expensive and demanding. Finding a donor is incredibly hard.

The earlier we detect and intervene, the more we can do,” he said.

Oliver Koehncke, General Manager of Boehringer Ingelheim Việt Nam. — Photo courtesy of Boehringer Ingelheim Việt Nam

To this end, the collaboration has focused on three pillars: early screening, pharmacist training, and patient education.

Over the past three years, the two companies have organised free screening programmes for diabetes and hypertension. More than 1,200 people have been screened across 20 communities, resulting in the identification of over 500 cases showing early signs of chronic illness.

“These figures underscore the critical role of early screening in enabling timely treatment. We may have potentially saved lives — and none of this would have been possible without the dedication of pharmacists and healthcare professionals on the ground,” he said.

Indeed, more than 9,000 pharmacists have received in-depth training through the programme. These pharmacists from Long Châu are now equipped to detect symptoms of chronic conditions, offer advice, and guide patients to appropriate medical care.

The digital front is just as strong. Each month, approximately 25,000 patients engage with online health consultations provided through the partnership, seeking guidance on symptoms, dietary changes, and lifestyle improvements.

Long Châu, with more than 2,000 pharmacies nationwide, has grown significantly since the partnership began. However, their philosophy remains rooted in strategic focus rather than scale alone.

Nguyễn Đỗ Quyên, Deputy General Director of FPT Retail and Managing Director of the FPT Long Châu Pharmacy and Vaccination Centre, said her company has been very selective with strategic partners.

“Boehringer Ingelheim was one of our first. The company matches us in mission, vision, and capability,” she said. “And after three years, we’re proud to look back at what we have achieved together and are ready to strengthen and deepen the collaboration.”

Long Châu’s ambition is to become Việt Nam’s top destination for chronic disease medication — ensuring that patients, regardless of where they receive a diagnosis, can access high-quality treatment from trusted pharmacies.

The company expects its 18,000 pharmacists to serve as an extension of the national healthcare system.

“That means constant training, not just a one-time course. With Boehringer Ingelheim's support, we’re building lifelong learning programmes, both in-person and online,” she said.

Boehringer Ingelheim Việt Nam, in collaboration with FPT Long Châu Pharmacy and Vaccination Centre, launched a project on June 4 offering free early chronic kidney disease screening for high-risk groups in Việt Nam. — Photo courtesy of Boehringer Ingelheim Việt Nam

Fighting diabetes with community-centred innovation

Among chronic illnesses, diabetes remains a major public health concern in Việt Nam, especially among younger populations. The post-COVID-19 lifestyle shift — including more sedentary behaviour, increased stress, and poor diet — has accelerated its prevalence.

The fight against diabetes requires a coordinated effort, Quyên said.

“No single entity can do it alone. But by working together, from early detection to long-term care, we can make a real difference.”

As the country rapidly embraces digital transformation, the two partners are also adopting a multi-channel approach: offline screenings, live-streamed doctor talks, educational videos, and interactive content on social platforms.

“Our message is clear: choose the right medicine, from the right source — because only with awareness and access can we truly build a healthier Việt Nam,” she added.

On June 4, the two sides officially announced the expansion of their collaboration, launching a project to provide free early chronic kidney disease screening for high-risk groups nationwide.

This year, they plan to conduct 30 screening programmes across various regions in the country.-VNS