Developing coastal, island health care
A project was launched in Hanoi on April 24 to improve health care in coastal and island areas between now and 2020.
Health Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien said the capacity of health centres and hospitals in these regions is limited. Healthcare services, especially high-tech and specialised services, have not yet reached all people and soldiers.
Since 1991, the healthcare scheme has not paid well due to improper social and investment policies, she added.
According to the minister, population growth together with sea-based development, changeable weather and the task of national defence are challenges to the health sector’s efforts to protect and care for people and soldiers in coastal and island areas.
Approved by the Prime Minister, the project will be implemented across 151 districts and towns in 28 centrally-run coastal cities and provinces between now and 2020 at a total cost of VND8.2 trillion.
It aims to consolidate the health care network, improve first-aid and make local people better aware of the need to protect their own health.
Under the project, four emergency centres, six hospitals and one hospital boat will be built.