Healthcare project for Central Highlands gains momentum

The plan calls for the construction of 36 medical facilities and the provision of more medical equipment for local clinics within this year. The provinces will also invest in upgrading quality management systems at 10 key hospitals to meet the 83-category criteria for quality standards issued by the health ministry.

The project’s second phase, carried out from 2014 to 2019 with a total budget of US$76.6 million, aims to support the development of healthcare systems in the region to meet the healthcare needs of local people, especially the poor, ethnic minorities and other disadvantaged groups.

It gives priorities to improving medical facilities and promoting access to medical services at hospitals and communities as well as developing medical resources in the sector.

The first phase of the project, implemented from 2004 to 2009 with a total capital investment of nearly US$32 million, has contributed to improving healthcare quality for local people.

The Central Highlands, comprising Dak Lak, Lam Dong, Dak Nong, Kon Tum and Gia Lai provinces, is home to 5.5 million people, 36.85% of which are from 53 ethnic minority groups.