President Truong Tan Sang hosted a reception for outstanding health officials on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Vietnam Doctors’ Day in Hanoi on February 27.

The State leader congratulated the officials and extolled the significant achievements of the heath sector over the past six decades, including fulfilling many of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

The remarkable achievement is attributed to the tireless efforts of health workers, including those who sacrificed their lives for the national safeguarding cause and those who have devoted their career to working in remote areas, he said.

Health Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien reported that in the Doi Moi (reform) process, the health industry has successfully applied modern technology and improved the health index of Vietnam , bringing it to stand above that of countries with similar incomes and development stages.

The current average life expectancy in Vietnam is double that of 1945, and dangerous diseases have largely been under control. The sector has also worked to meet over 50 percent of the medicinal demand and is taking the initial steps towards producing medicine for export.

The technical skills of Vietnamese doctors are on par with those in the region and around the world, especially in kidney transplants, liver transplants, heart transplants, stem cell transplants, and heart surgeries, the minister added.

President Truong Tan Sang asked the ministry to expand effective health care models and honour outstanding figures in the field.

He expressed his belief that with comprehensive social engagement and developed medical skills, the health industry will continue to reap impressive results in the future.-VNA