German University to Help Vietnam City Develop Cardiovascular Center

Germany’s Johannes Gutenberg University will join hands with Ho Chi Minh City-based Pham Ngoc Thach Medical University to develop a cardiovascular center in the city, the Saigon Times newspaper reported Dec. 3. The center is expected to be a modern hospital but also a high-quality training school, Dean of the German university’s Medical Faculty Reinhard Urban said at a meeting with leaders of the HCM City’s university early this week. “We hope the cooperation will create a cardiovascular center which will reach international standards in treatment and training,” Vice Chairman of the city People’s Committee Hua Ngoc Thuan said. Thuan welcomed the cooperation plan, saying the city is now in dire need for quality doctors to improve medical services in the years to come. The city plans to build five more hospitals which require at least VND1.5 trillion, he noted, adding that it would call on both local and foreign investors for these projects. HCM City is estimated to have a population of 10 million by 2015 and most of the city-based hospitals are overloaded now.