Hanoi will set up 20 family doctor centres for the 2013-2015 period, aiming at improving healthcare services for local people and reducing patient density in central hospitals.

Since August last year, the Hanoi Department of Health (HDH) has carried out a pilot model in a clinic in Dong Anh district in the outskirts of Hanoi.

To date, the centre has allowed more effective medical examinations for hundreds of patients, many of whom are suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, tuberculosis and cancer.

Under the model, the communal clinic has been equipped with digital blood pressure monitors and blood analysis instruments to improve the quality of diagnosis and care on offer.

This year, the department will continue to carry out the model at two clinics in Tu Liem district.-VNA