Although most human and material resources have been allocated to fight Covid-19 pandemic, public health care and epidemic prevention in Khanh Hoa Province has been effectively implemented thanks to medical staff's tremendous effort...
Although most human and material resources have been allocated to fight Covid-19 pandemic, public health care and epidemic prevention in Khanh Hoa Province has been effectively implemented thanks to medical staff’s tremendous effort since the beginning of the year.
Epidemic control
Over the past 6 months, the local health care sector fulfilled and exceeded important targets with the number of doctors per 10,000 population reaching 10.5, (8 doctors per 10,000 population as regulated); 35.6 patient beds/ 10,000 population; the rate of child malnutrition: 7.4% (under 10% as regulated) among kids under 5; stunted children: 8.5%; the medically insured: 92% of the population, according to Dr. Bui Xuan Minh, Director of Khanh Hoa Department of Health.
In addition, Covid-19 has been basically under control in Khanh Hoa Province. Cases of dengue decreased by 59% compared with the same period last year, Hand foot and mouth disease down by 32.6% and viral encephalitis down by 4 cases compared with the same period last year.
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Khanh Hoa Province has administered the first and second doses of Covid-19 vaccines to 100% adults and additional primary shots to over 40%; booster doses known as the third and fourth doses to nearly 54% and 11.3% respectively. 100% kids aged 12 to 17 have been given the first doses of Covid-19 vaccines; 21% have taken the second shots. 5-11 year-olds receiving the first and second doses of Covid-19 have reached nearly 43% and 11.4% respectively.
Public health services in the province have been assured, providing medical check-ups for 1.2 million of patient arrivals, 84,000 inpatients and conducting nearly 12,500 surgeries. Khanh Hoa General Hospital has transferred several advanced techniques to lower levels of care, saving many lives.
Specifically, the techniques were for polyclinic emergency, surgical treatment of patella fracture, acromioclavicular joint dislocation, laparoscopy, catheterization in underweight baby or newborn care; traumatic brain injury emergency, etc. Besides, advanced techniques have been successfully transferred from central hospitals such as knee and shoulder arthroscopy; local tumor destruction by microwaves; congenital heart interventions; percutaneous nephrolithotomy and so on. The prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, public health care, open vaccination, food safety and hygiene; population and family planning, etc. have improved and exceeded some targets.
Obstacles remaining
Apart from achievements, there have remained some obstacles. At the preliminary conference of the first 6 months of 2022, Dr. Phan Huu Chinh, Director of Khanh Hoa General Hospital reported some difficulties related to biddings for the supply of medicines, medical chemicals and equipment; medical care and treatment services covered by medical insurance, etc.
Moreover, the needs for heath care and treatment is on the increase while the number of permanent and contractual employees according to the Government’s Decree 68 at public service agencies is cut every year. Besides, the Ministry of Health has not yet set the pricing of information technology and health care services, thus affecting the application of information technology in medical services. Other problems include lack of appealing policies to lure and retain talents; More synchronized management apps are required among all levels of care to save time and labor.
Dr. Bui Xuan Minh suggested the health sector propose to the Provincial People's Council and the Provincial People's Committee to increase the human resources for public non productive facilities under the Department of Health; upgrade infrastructures; ensure feasible regimes to attract and retain doctors; and create favorable conditions for the opening of two general hospitals of Yersin Nha Trang and Oncology soon. The Ministry of Health is expected to soon give solutions to problems in medical care and treatment covered by health insurance; and suggest a common app for use at all levels of care.
The medical sector will continue effectively implementing epidemic prevention and control tasks, developing programs on preventive health, food safety and grassroots health care; improving public health care, mother and child health care; developing human resources and mechanism, promoting scientific research, and boosting international integration and cooperation, etc.
T.L
Translated by N.T
