Health Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien on May 16 presented “For the health of the people” insignia to 18 French professors and doctors who have contributed to Vietnam ’s healthcare development.

The presentation ceremony took place during the France visit of a delegation from the Ministry of Health, which is one of a range of activities to mark the 40 th anniversary of Vietnam – France diplomatic ties.

Addressing the event, Minister Tien said the insignia is a “vivid manifestation” that the Vietnamese health sector had for these doctors and experts who have given valuable assistance to Vietnam during the country’s past struggle for national independence and unification, and current construction, development and integration.

She highlighted the cooperation and support of French doctors and experts in training generations of Vietnamese doctors and physicians in various specialisms.

Cyril Cosme, Head of Department with responsibility for European and International affairs, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health of France, stressed the significance of the event as it coincided with the 20 th anniversary of the signing of the inter-government agreement on healthcare cooperation between the two countries.

As many as 2,500 Vietnamese doctors have been trained in a resident doctors training program under the agreement, including Minister Tien, he noted, expressing hopes to further cooperate with Vietnam in tertiary training and doctor internship in French hospitals.

General Secretary of the International Association of Deans of Francophone Medical School, professor Francke Jean-Paul, recalled the good old days he had spent with Vietnamese and French colleagues.-VNA