Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc emphasised the need for more investment in grassroots healthcare services, especially in disadvantaged localities.

Deputy PM Phuc made this appeal during a ceremony in Cao Ky commune, Cho Moi district in Bac Kan province on November 5 to officially launch the construction of a medical station, the first of 70 health clinics for disadvantaged communes in the northwestern region.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivering a speech at the ceremony. Photo: vov.vn

The well-equipped facility will cost over 5 billion VND (238,000 USD), with 3.5 billion VND provided by the EU as non-refundable aid.

The Deputy PM reminded the health sector to send more doctors to remote areas and provide incentives for medical staff who choose to work there.

The Ministry of Health should seek investments in healthcare improvements at the grassroots level and closely supervise the construction of clinics to avoid wastefulness, he said.

At the ground-breaking ceremony. Photo: vov.vn

To improve the quality of health services in the northwestern region, the ministry proposed the Government allocate more than 310 billion VND from the EU’s non-refundable aid to the construction of 89 medical stations in communes facing particularly challenging conditions, including 70 health clinics in 14 northern mountainous provinces, Health Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien said.

Deputy PM Phuc and Minister Tien also presented 500 gifts to poor residents in Cao Ky commune, where 98 percent of the population is comprised of ethnic minorities.

That same day, the General Hospital in Thai Nguyen province sent 50 doctors and nurses to provide free check-ups and medicine for people in Cao Ky commune.

Source: VNA