Family healthcare needs more time in Vietnam

A citizen is being examined by a health staff. (Source: VNA)

General family medical practices have seen some positive results after 25 years of implementation, but there is still a long way to go for this model to become popular in Vietnam.

The remark was made at a conference entitled "Family healthcare in Vietnam from 2016-2018" held in northern province of Thai Nguyen from September 8-9.

In the pilot project from 1988 to 2013, Vietnam trained 70 family doctors working at grassroots health facilities with the help of international organisations.

The country currently has 240 family clinics in Hanoi, HCM City, Thua Thien - Hue, Khanh Hoa, Can Tho and Tien Giang.

Family doctors have handled over 3,800 emergency cases, conducted nearly 808,000 examinations and performed surgeries on more than 12,000 patients.

Despite their positive contributions to the health sector, the family doctor model still faces major obstacles, such as the lack of qualified staff or the underdeveloped community trust in grassroots health facilities.

Participants at the conference discussed measures to overcome difficulties to achieve project goals.

They also agreed on continuing to develop the family doctor model in Vietnam by opening clinics and training staff.-VNA