Free tests and X-rays to be offered yearly

 

HCM City (VNS/VNA) – The plans to provide free
biochemical tests and X-rays once every year, Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim
Tien said during a visit to Tan Quy ward health station in Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan
Phu district on April 23.

The health station is one of the three in the city chosen as a family medicine
practice model under the ministry’s requirement.

The country has 26 such health stations, Tien said, adding that the ministry
will expand this kind of health station to several other provinces under
official development assistance (ODA) capital.

At the health stations with ODA, residents will be provided free biochemical
tests and once a year.

Provinces and cities that do not have health stations under ODA should find
ways to offer local residents free and X-ray for screening
diseases, the ministry said.

Tien said that 90 percent of people in the country need primary health care
services which should be provided at health stations and general health
clinics.

Because many health stations in the country fail to meet the need, people often
go to hospitals to get these services.

Health stations should also provide preventive healthcare services, Tien said.

Tien instructed relevant agencies to conduct assessments and set up detailed
criteria for human resources, infrastructure, communication, IT and finance for
the health stations’ operations.

In HCM City, the Department of Health has demanded that each district choose
one health station in their locality to use as a family medicine practice
model.

Twelve such health stations have been set up so far. They have upgraded their
facilities and invested in more medical equipment.

The department has instructed doctors at district-level hospitals to rotate
shifts at these health stations.

Thanks to the investment, the Tan Quy ward health station has attracted local
residents. More than 70 patients now visit the station every day, double the
number in the period before it began the family practice model.

The station will expand screening and monitoring of non-communicable diseases
in the upcoming time. It will also strengthen communication to local residents
about preventive methods against diseases. – VNS/VNA