Family Doctor Model Helps Improve Health Care Quality in Vietnam: Experts

Vietnam aims to roll out the family doctor model on a larger scale in combination with the development of grassroots medical services during the 2016-2020 period, according to a meeting of a provincial-level group of health partners in the northern province of Lao Cai on August 2. The model has been piloted in eight cities and provinces across the country, said Tran Thi Giang Huong, head of the International Cooperation Department under the Health Ministry. However, she said, difficulties remain in integrating the model with local medical systems in an effective and sustainable manner. Other delegates proposed implementing the model at more than 11,000 communal clinics nationwide, especially those in remote and far-flung areas, in order to make the best use of available facilities. Some suggested devising plans on training family doctors to ensure both quality and quantity of human resources in the time ahead. The model aims to improve health care quality comprehensively and continuously, said Tran Quy Tuong, deputy head of the Health Ministry’s Medical Examination and Treatment Department. (cand.com.vn Aug 3, baohaiquan.vn Aug 3)