Magnetic resonance imaging capacity expansion in Vietnam: National import trends and implications for health system planning (2023–2025)

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a core diagnostic modality supporting advanced clinical service. In Vietnam, increasing healthcare investment has driven expansion in MRI capacity, yet comprehensive multi-year analyses remain limited. Objective: To analyze MRI system, import trends in Vietnam from 2023 to 2025, focusing on MRI capacity expansion, technology diffusion, regional distribution, and implications for health system planning. Materials and Methods: National import data on MRI systems from 2023 to 2025 were reviewed and classified by year, magnetic field strength, manufacturer, region, and type of healthcare provider. Descriptive analyses were performed to evaluate temporal trends and market characteristics. Results: A total of 257 MRI systems were imported during 2023–2025. The 1.5T MRI remained dominant, accounting for 67.3% of the imported systems, while 3.0T systems increased markedly from 6 units in 2023 to 22 units in 2025. In 2025, Northern Vietnam accounted for 71.6% of newly imported 1.5T and 3.0T systems. Private healthcare providers represented 50.0% of installations and showed a higher proportion of 3.0T adoption than public hospitals. Distribution of imported MRI systems by manufacturer was significantly uneven (χ² = 105.36, df = 5, p < 0.001), with manufacturers GE and Siemens together accounting for 62.2% of imported MRI systems. Conclusion: Vietnam’s MRI diagnostic capacity continues to expand rapidly with a clear shift toward higher-field MRI technologies. This evolution underscores the need for strategic imaging investment and coordinated health system planning, in Vietnam and the wider ASEAN region.