Mr Manh stressed that the Party always takes the protection of people’s health seriously and considers the development of medical care as a key element of social security.

He praised the medical sector for its achievements over the past four years, during which many health workers were relocated to local establishments and clinics in remote and disadvantaged areas, thereby helping to narrow the development gap between regions.

Mr Manh also expressed his delight at the medical progress made by Bach Mai hospital in terms of diagnosis and treatment using modern technology. He said the hospital had also played an important and effective role in providing technical assistance to clinics in remote areas and helping them raise their capacity.

Regarding progress for 2010, the General Secretary asked the health sector to take the necessary measures to prevent any major epidemic from occurring, reduce overcrowding in hospitals and gradually remove the practice of sharing patient beds. He also urged the sector to develop traditional medicine networks, both state and private ones, and to expand various forms of training to meet the demand for medical personnel.

Also, Mr Manh emphasized the necessity of stabilizing medicine prices, ensuring medicine quality and devising master plans to promote the manufacturing and circulation of medicine and to develop pharmaceutical materials.