A doctor takes care of his elderly patient (Illustrative photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Health
experts and doctors met in Hanoi on August 3 to discuss the updated and amended
guiding document on palliative care.
In 2006, the Department of
Medical Examination and Treatment, under the Ministry of Health, issued
guidance on palliative care for cancer and AIDS patients.
The newly updated document
expands the subjects of the specialised medical and nursing care to all people
with life-limiting illnesses. It says the therapy begins when diseases are
detected and continues throughout the treatment process.
It encourages the building
of multi-component groups, which include medical staff, families, social
workers and volunteers, to care for patients. Palliative care can take place at
hospitals, at home and within the community.
Speaking at the meeting,
Luong Ngoc Khue, Head of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment,
said palliative care carries significant humanitarian value.
Eric L. Krakauer, an expert
from the World Health Organisation, said the therapy helps reduce pain and
should be incorporated into primary and comprehensive healthcare.-VNA
Source: VietnamPlus
