On October 30th, implementing the 8th Session of the XIV National Assembly, the National Assembly discussed the results of the implementation of socio-economic development plans and state budget estimates. At the discussion session, NE Duong Xuan Hoa (Lang Son) suggested that comprehensive capacity strengthening for grassroots health care be needed.

NE Dương Xuan Hoa (Lang Son)

Expressing its views on grassroots health, NE Duong Xuan Hoa (Lang Son) said that it is estimated that there are still about 35% of commune health stations in need of investment, mainly in ethnic minority areas and the mountains. Many communes that do not have health stations have to borrow facilities or have clinics which are seriously degraded. Equipment for medical examination and treatment is taken from many sources at different times, so it is not synchronized.

Besides, the quality of human resources is limited. There is a tendency that doctors with professional qualifications do not really feel comfortable working at the grassroots level but want to work at higher levels. The team of village health collaborators still has limitations in quality and effectiveness, and the people do not really trust the quality of initial medical examination and treatment at the grassroots level.

Mr Hoa recommends that, in order to contribute to substantially overcome the overcrowding of higher-level hospitals, it is necessary to consider and renovate the financial mechanism for the grassroots level of health care, to ensure investment in facilities and training and fostering human resources. At the same time, there is a policy to attract and strengthen comprehensive capacities for grassroots levels.

In addition, the inspection, supervision and guidance on the observance of the law on protection and initial health care for the people should be well performed, ensuring that everyone has the right to protection and health care, equality in the use of health services and the obligation to implement regulations on preventive and curative care.