Although autonomy provides a better opportunity for Vietnamese public agencies to operate more efficiently, many obstacles related to autonomy need to be addressed for the better operation of these agencies. This study analyzes the impact of financial autonomy on medical treatment among central public hospitals of Vietnam. In addition to reviewing autonomy regulations, the research looked at patient care in key public hospitals. The data collected served as an example for the assessments of patients and non-patients on their care and any changes in their health. The result implicates that, the professional level of doctors participating in treatment at central public hospitals is very good; therefore, even though patients have to share a bed with other, the positive change in the patient’s health is very positive. However, central public hospitals are facing barriers from current policies; consequently, the ultimate goals of financial autonomy in healthcare sector could not be reached. Discussions and recommendations will be pointed out for the better prospective landscape of central public hospitals.
