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.”

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 64% of its middle management and 30% of its senior leadership positions held by women, the company is extending this focus to patients, further 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.”

“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.