A qualitative study on the influence of the local Vietnamese Government initiative, 'the Invisible Healthcare System', on Dental-Care-Centered Non Governmental Organization activities: focused on an oral health project at Organization A

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the local Vietnamese government initiative, the 'invisible healthcare system', on the activities of Organization A, which focuses on oral health projects.Methods: Since 2000, Organization A has conducted preventive care and oral health-focused activities in central Vietnam, with formal and informal interventions from local Vietnamese governments.This study conducts an in-depth analysis of the relationship between local Vietnamese governments and oversea non-government organizations (NGOs) from the perspective of the recipient country.Results: First, the initial step involves aligning intentions with the local Vietnamese government through negotiations, such as reaching agreements on the operation of oral health programs.Second, efforts should be made to understand the implicit aspects of Vietnamese policies regarding oversea NGO activities.For instance, it can be the People's Aid Coordination Committee (PACCOM), which has a policy to manage oversea NGOs.The policies of PACCOM inherently reflect an 'invisible healthcare system' and a 'nationalist-oriented character'.Conclusions: Finally, oversea NGO activities in Vietnam increasingly require a focus on 'localization' and 'Vietnamization' to effectively achieve the desired outcomes.