Workshop on Hydrogen Applications in Healthcare: Introduction of a Research Proposal to Be Implemented at Central Mental Hospital No. 2
On 19 January 2026, at Hydrogen World Café, 18 Dang Tran Con Street, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, the workshop entitled “Hydrogen Applications in Healthcare” was jointly organised by the Vietnam ASEAN Hydrogen Club and Hydrogen World. The event served as a forum for scientific and practical exchange on the potential applications of molecular hydrogen in medicine and supportive healthcare in Vietnam.
At the workshop, Dr. Nhu Duc Thang, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Central Mental Hospital No. 2, presented a scientific research proposal that the hospital’s research team plans to implement in 2026, entitled “Scientific and Practical Research on the Application of Hydrogen Gas in Rehabilitation Medicine and Mental Health”.
In his presentation, Dr. Nhu Duc Thang outlined the research background, noting the increasing prevalence of mental disorders, anxiety, depression and impaired social functioning, which place a significant burden on patients and the healthcare system. Molecular hydrogen has attracted the research team’s attention as a potential supportive solution due to its selective antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, cytoprotective characteristics, and its ability to cross the blood–brain barrier.
The proposed research is expected to apply a supportive intervention model to both inpatient and outpatient groups at Central Mental Hospital No. 2. Evaluation indicators will include levels of anxiety, depression, sleep quality and social functioning. The main objectives of the study are to clarify the scientific basis of hydrogen therapy, assess its safety and supportive effectiveness in clinical practice, and establish an initial data set to support further research.
Dr. Nhu Duc Thang also emphasised that research on hydrogen applications in mental health in Vietnam remains limited, with no officially established implementation model within specialised hospital systems. The development and presentation of this research proposal at the workshop were considered an important preparatory step toward conducting a structured, grassroots-level study in 2026, under the supervision of the hospital’s scientific council.
The workshop concluded with extensive professional discussions, reflecting growing interest in hydrogen-based healthcare solutions. Participants agreed that, despite its potential, the application of hydrogen in medicine must be approached cautiously, based on rigorous scientific research, clinical trials and strict compliance with professional regulations.
Currently, Central Mental Hospital No. 2 treats more than 2,000 inpatients, with a large number of outpatients as well. Mental disorders are becoming increasingly common and represent a significant societal burden. Successful research into hydrogen-based therapy could create new treatment opportunities for many patients, contributing to the advancement of community healthcare in Vietnam and the wider ASEAN region.
