An elderly patient receives treatment in a hospital in Vietnam 

It was jointly organised by the Helpage International in Vietnam, the Vietnam Association of the Elderly Central Committee, and the General Office for Population and Family Planning.

At the event, participants discussed priorities and actions to enhance public health care to cope with population aging, towards sustainable development of the health sector.

Speaking at the event, Assoc. Prof., Dr. Kim Bao Giang of the Hanoi Medical University said health care for the elderly has been enshrined in Vietnam’s Constitution and the 2009 Law on the Elderly. As of 2018, nearly 97 hospitals had department dedicated to the treatment for elderly patients.

He also pointed out some difficulties in health care for senior citizens at present, particularly a gap in treatment of non-communicable diseases, support for the elderly and shortage of personnel in the field.

Meanwhile, expert of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Vu Dinh Huy said the population aging has affected universal health coverage target, which aims to ensure everyone can use the health services they need without risk of financial ruin or impoverishment.

A recent report of the WHO showed that the rate of senior citizens in many countries, including Vietnam, is likely to exceed 30 percent in 2025.