WHO called to help Vietnam improve public health care

Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Tong Thi Phong (R) receives WHO Director-General Margaret Chan (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Vice Chairwoman of the
National Assembly Tong Thi Phong has proposed the World Health Organisation
(WHO) closely work with the Vietnamese Government in curbing diseases and
increasing quality of public health care.

She made the proposal at a reception for WHO
Director-General Margaret Chan in Hanoi on April 10.

The legislator hoped the will continue
providing and updating health information in Vietnam as well as in the region
and beyond, while supporting the country in improving capacity for health
workers, especially at the grassroots level.

She noted that the active assistance and
cooperation of the WHO over the past few years have helped Vietnam gain significant
accomplishments in improving public health care and realising the UN millennium
development goals.

Vietnam is particularly interested in developing
health care network at the grassroots level, especially in disadvantaged and
border areas, she said.

The Vietnamese legislature has promulgated a number
of legal documents such as law on public health protection, law on HIV/AIDS
prevention and law on communicable disease prevention, creating an effective
legal corridor for public health care activities, she added.

The National Assembly has closely monitored the
implementation of health policies of the Government, Health Ministry and
relevant agencies to better public medical care in ethnic minority regions.

Phong also thanked the WHO for providing financial
aid for Vietnam’s health sector and affirmed this source has been used
effectively in the country.

For her part, Director-General Margaret Chan
recognised the crucial role of the Vietnamese NA in building and promulgating
important laws to reform the medical system.

She said the WHO is willing to help and share global
experience with Vietnam in the field.

The Director-General suggested the Vietnamese
Government push ahead with improving and medical stations at
district and commune levels, including training family doctors.

She also recommended building regulations on the
operation of private health facilities under the management of the State.-VNA