Japanese Senator Keizo Takemi asserted that health care cooperation with Vietnam is improving during a meeting with President Truong Tan Sang in Hanoi on March 5.

On public health care, Takemi said both nations see the need to address common issues, such as population ageing, cancer and a prevalence of infectious diseases.

In his view, if social issues, including health care, lack full consideration at opportune moments, Vietnam and Japan will face sluggish economic growth.

He said he believes both nations will work out sound mechanisms and policies to realise a scheme on health insurance for all citizens.

President Sang thanked Japan for its active support to Vietnam’s socio-economic development via official development assistance over the past 20 years.

He hailed partnership initiatives by both medical sectors, in which Japan assisted Vietnam in building Cho Ray 2 hospital, fighting cancer, sharing experience in health insurance for all people and manufacturing medical equipment.

The host expressed confidence that with his position and role, Takemi will play his part in realising joint cooperation agreements.

Takemi is in Vietnam to work with top officials of the legislature, ministries and agencies on health care and health insurance.-VNA