Delegates join a panel at the dialogue (Photo: VNA)
(VNA) –
A titled “Realising Vision for HCM City as a
Regional Healthcare Hub” was held in the southern city on October 1.
The event offered a chance
for leaders of the health sector of Vietnam and HCM City and businesses of both
countries to discuss solutions to boost healthcare cooperation between HCM City
and the US in order to meet demand of people in Vietnam and ASEAN.
In his opening speech,
Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong recalled
important milestones in . He attributed the development of
the bilateral ties to tenacious and ceaseless efforts by leaders and people of
the two nations across all fields, in which healthcare cooperation has played a
significant part.
Vietnam and the US marked
the first activity with a programme designed to aid
people with disabilities launched 30 years ago to overcome war consequences, he
noted.
At present, the bilateral
medical collaboration has expanded to other spheres, including HIV/AIDS,
tuberculosis and seasonal influenza prevention and control, healthcare for military
personnel, response to African swine flu outbreaks, and most recently in
battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
HCM City aims to set up a
high-tech healthcare centre in the coming time in tandem with medical tourism
development to attract more tourists to the city, he said.
It will also strive to turn
traditional medicine into a highlight of the city’s medical tourism and the
pharmaceutical industry into a spearhead economic sector, as well as ensure
sufficient supply of medicine and vaccines, Phong added.
Joining the virtual
dialogue, US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink spoke highly of Vietnam’s
efforts in promoting healthcare development in recent years and curbing the
spread of COVID-19.
He affirmed that the fight
against the ravaging pandemic is an outstanding milestone, marking joint
efforts in mutual support and learning each other between the US and Vietnam
during the past 25 years.
US businesses and the
American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AMCHAM Vietnam) have paid heed to supporting
Vietnam in the field of healthcare, the diplomat said.
At the dialogue, US
companies voiced their hope to continue joining hands with medical schools and
facilities in the city.
The event also witnessed
the launch of the AmCham Vietnam’s 2020 Healthcare White Book, highlighting
innovative products and services US healthcare companies offer in Vietnam,
policy recommendations to promote the health and wellness of Vietnam’s
population and support the growing strength of Vietnam’s healthcare industry./.
Source: VietnamPlus
