Since it began in September 2007, the project, which is being carried out by the Health Ministry and is the first of its kind using official development assistance (ODA), has also helped more than 16,900 needy patients pay for their treatment.

This was reported at a mid-term meeting held in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on Sept. 24 by the Health Ministry and the World Bank to review the project and discuss plans for the four remaining months of this year and the 2010-2011 period.

The US$85 million project aims to improve the healthcare system in the Mekong Delta, and increase the public’s access to, and use of, reasonably-priced healthcare services, particularly the poor.

By the end of 2011, the project plans to help support the payment of hospital fees in 13 provinces and cities in the region for the poor as well as for those at risk and those with special difficulties.

It also plans to invest in high-tech equipment for hospitals in these areas to help low-incomer earners access advanced medical technology, and will also assist 11 medical colleges and high schools in the region with medical equipment and qualified doctors.

The project also aims to enhance the quality of health services to meet the demand for health check-ups and treatment as well as encouraging those on the poverty line to join the optional healthcare insurance programme.