Government project 371, which aimed to develop healthcare systems at sea and on islands, proved effective in helping coastal residents and islanders access basic healthcare services, as heard at a conference in the central province of Phu Yen on April 16.

Implemented from 2013 to 2014 in 28 coastal localities nationwide, the project targeted stronger State management over maritime medicine, upgraded healthcare stations and expanded telemedicine centre networks.

The project was part of Government efforts to realise goals set in Vietnam’s maritime strategy.

According to reports on the implementation of the project presented at the event, nearly 3,000 people were provided with first aid care and over 1,300 others with surgical operations, while over 20,000 health insurance cards were presented to islanders during the two-year project.

As many as 57 patients were brought to the mainland for emergency care by 14 helicopters and 13 military boats during the period.

Medical diagnosis and treatment facilities on islands and in coastal localities were upgraded and equipped with modern technology while public awareness of health protection methods was raised. Speaking at the event, Deputy Health Minister Professor Dr. Pham Le Tuan asked the health sector to work closely with army medical forces in localities to improve the quality of healthcare for people in coastal areas.-VNA